ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
THE ROLE
Sitting within the Luxury Department, the Business Development Associate supports Sotheby’s sales, client engagement efforts and marketing. This role is expected to closely collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement effective business strategies focused around client and property opportunities to fuel the growth and development of the jewelry department.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Business Development and Marketing:
- Assist the Business Development Manager with working with the relevant marketing and events teams with organizing events, lunches, and client activities.
- Help in planning and executing sales-related and non-sales-related events.
- Work with marketing and client development teams to create and distribute business materials like invitations and letters.
- Attend meetings to provide input on marketing promises and proposals.
- Assist in creating documents and gathering statistics for proposals.
- Generate reports and lists using Tableau.
- Participate in pricing sessions and departmental meetings.
- Collaborate with senior team members on long-term business leads and collections
- Sale Related Responsibilities
- Complete non-catalogue photography for all auctions (e.g., worn images, additional angles).
- Oversee the creation of client listings for New York and traveling exhibitions
- Participate in all sales and highlight exhibitions, events and auctions.
- Oversee client requests for condition reports, additional photography of lots and other inquiries related to upcoming sales, including international sale requests when relevant.
- Liaise with bids department and client services, assisting with setting up bids, new accounts, gathering IDs, setting up skyboxes.
- Aid the Jewelry team with client inquiries, resolving client issues, aiding pre- or post-sale servicing, and execute client transactions to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction.
- Occasional long hours required, including late evenings and weekends especially during sale deadlines, exhibitions, and auctions.
- Client development support
- Ensure client data is up-to-date and accurate in Sotheby’s systems
- Aid in outreach initiatives by maintaining interest lists, updating client systems, and sending target emails.
- Coordinate with category leads to arrange interest meetings.
- Assist in identifying clients for sales outreach and analyzing client data.
- Business getting support
- Answer and direct incoming and outgoing communication in a timely manner (phone calls, general inbox, mail and packages).
- Meet with client walkins, managing the intake process and coordinating with the appropriate specialist on next steps.
- Manage auction estimate enquiries, ensuring they are handled in the highest standard of accuracy and in a timely manner by maintaining the communication flow between clients and specialists.
- Assist with organizing sweep appointments, advertising and post-sweep analysis.
- Support category leads and management in client valuations and collections strategy.
- Help specialist teams in creating proposals and obtaining statistics.
- Identify consignment opportunities by working with specialist teams and client strategy.
- Assist department with ad hoc projects
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Bachelors degree required
- 2+ years of relevant professional experience required, ideally in a business support / process management role
- A solid understanding of the art and/or luxury world, and ideally experience in an international auction house
- Ability to communicate at all levels and partner with senior leaders for change management
- Excellent Microsoft Office skills
- Highly organized, detail oriented, ability to drive multiple high profile and complex projects
- Creative problem solver, energetic and persistent
- Confident team player, capable of working well independently and as part of a busy team
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.
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The Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race (including, without limitation, traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, and protective and treated or untreated hairstyles), color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership/union status, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, genetic information, reproductive health decision, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, alienage or citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province or local law. The Company complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment in every jurisdiction in which it operates.
