THE ROLE

The Modern Art Evening sale comprises paintings, drawing and sculpture by European, American and Latin American artists spanning the latter half of the nineteenth-century and the first two-thirds of the twentieth-century—from Monet’s first forays in Impressionism to the explosive works of the Abstract Expressionists. This role oversees Contemporary property in the Modern Art Evening sales at Sotheby’s, New York, acting as a crucial bridge between the Contemporary Department and the Impressionist & Modern Art Department and collaborating with respective department heads and sale heads on sourcing strategy, while working closely with the Modern department’s Head of Research on all cataloguing and research aspects of Contemporary property pitched for and consigned to sale.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leading cataloguing and research for Contemporary works of art, and any other sale-related responsibilities. These may include:
  • Researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard in accordance with scheduled deadlines and best practices
  • Writing scholarly catalogue essays and compiling related comparable images
  • Closely examining physical condition of artworks and liaising with third-party conservators for professional condition reports and any agreed upon treatment
  • Working with other external vendors including framers, scholars and archivists
  • Coordinating authentication with external experts
  • Ensuring color accuracy of lot images
  • Collaborating on paste-ups and layouts for both digital and print products, from online catalogues to printed mini books, single owner sale catalogues and dedicated catalogues
  • Liaising with the necessary support departments
• Participating in sourcing works for sale in tandem with the Head of Department and Head of Sale
• Preparing proposals for business getting efforts alongside members of the Proposals Department and other departments  
• Working with Head of Department and Head of Sale to meet sales and net profit targets for particular sales
• Contributing to strategic long-term business development
• Attending and participating in Contemporary and Modern estimating sessions
  • Contributing to valuations as needed
• Maintaining an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally.
• Operating at all times in accordance with the company’s rules on compliance and corporate governance.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest
• At leaast 5-7 years of work experience in either auction business, gallery, or museum/exhibit space
• In-depth art market knowledge and awareness, with a focus on 20th Century Art
• A background in Art History, with experience researching and writing
• Highly organized, detail-oriented
• Proven business acumen and developed valuation skills, with a functional working knowledge of the whole auction process, procedures & systems
• Ability to work effectively both individually and in a team and to “pitch in” when required
• Ability to work well under pressure and have a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks
• Commitment to an exemplary level of client service, strong client relationship management skills and a sensitive approach to problem solving
• Possess high levels of integrity and be able to operate within corporate governance and legal framework
• Good organizational and management skills with proven ability to work to deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Foreign language skills desirable, especially a working knowledge of French and/or German
• Ability to work collaboratively on large projects while being confident and comfortable taking initiative and working on one’s own
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Requires flexibility in work hours and availability to work late nights and full weekends during catalogue deadline and pre-sale exhibition.
• Available for in-person work
• Knowledge of Sotheby’s systems a plus

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $60,000 - $75,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.