Books & Manuscripts Cataloguer — Auctions

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

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.