Associate Cataloguer, Books and Manuscripts

Sotheby's France; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotheby’s France in New York seeks an energetic assistant for the Books and Manuscripts Department. You will coordinate live and online sales, support cataloguing, and assist with appraisals.

This role requires close collaboration with specialists and a strong eye for detail to ensure high-quality listings and client service. The ideal candidate has at least two years in an auction setting, excellent organizational skills, and proficiency with MS Office.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in an auction house or dealer setting.
• Knowledge of a classical language preferred.
• Excellent communication and client service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to multi-task.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Flexibility to work overtime and weekend hours when necessary.
• Proven administrative and/or relevant experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the evaluation of works for auction and appraisal purposes.
• Collaborate with specialists on valuations and follow up on consignments.
• Help secure consignments, manage client correspondence and proposals.
• Maintain running lists of property already consigned and potential consignments.
• Conduct provenance and history research for catalogues and presentations.
• Assist with catalogue production, including data entry in ADM and liaison with support departments.
• Coordinate sale-related responsibilities and outreach to promote auctions.
• Respond to inquiries from bidders and manage lot photography as needed.
• Coordinate pre- and post-sale processes with sellers and client transactions.

Skills

Auction experience

Communication skills

Detail orientation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

ABOUT SOTHEBY’S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories 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 through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

THE ROLE

The function of this role is to support the Books and Manuscripts Department in New York including, but not limited to, coordinating and cataloguing both live and online sales with accompanying print and digital catalogues, and assistance with large-scale appraisals. Additionally, general assistance is required for all specialists and consultants in the department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the evaluation of works for auction and appraisal purposes, including responses to phone, written, and online platform estimate requests
• Work with specialists on valuations and close follow-up on property that has been estimated but not yet consigned for sale
• Assist specialists in securing consignments of property for sale at auction, including client correspondence, preparation of auction estimates, and writing, proofreading, and coordination of proposals
• Liaise with the department coordinator to maintain running lists of property already consigned, potential future consignments, as well as client and consignment files and records
• Conduct research, especially to establish provenance, publication and exhibition history of consigned or appraised property, maintaining the highest standard of completeness and accuracy; and consistent presentation of this information for auction catalogues and private sale presentations
  • Write and proofread for catalogue notes and essays, maintaining the highest standard of quality
• In conjunction with the department coordinator and Head of Department, assist with catalogue production including:
  • Entering and editing catalogue text in ADM, ensuring catalogue data is accurate and recorded in a timely manner
  • Liaising with support departments, such as Central Receiving and Photo
  • Maintaining shoot lists, and assisting with the layout, and the ordering of sales
• Coordinate and manage sale related responsibilities, including condition reports, assisting with exhibition set-up, staffing exhibitions and assisting prospective clients, conducting underbid recording and bidding
• Promote auctions leading up to each sale date including outreach
• Reply to inquiries from potential bidders; take and send photographs of lots as necessary
• Coordinate and manage sellers and their property through the pre- and post-sale processes
• Partner with other business areas to respond to client inquiries, resolve client issues, and execute client transactions to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• At least two years of experience in an auction house or dealer setting
• Knowledge of a classical language preferred
• Excellent communication and client service skills
• Excellent organizational skills including ability to multi-task and prioritize
• High level of attention to detail
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel
• Enthusiasm and willingness to broaden knowledge
• Flexibility to work overtime and weekend hours when necessary
• Proven administrative and/or relevant experience is desirable

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $50,000-$55,000. 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.