Business Development Assistant

Heritage; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

Paid time off

401k savings plans

Job summary

Heritage Auctions in Chicago is seeking a Business Development Assistant to support gallery events, auction previews, external events, sponsorships, and marketing initiatives. The role requires organized, proactive individuals with attention to detail and creativity, handling administrative duties and coordination for lists, databases, event logistics, and presentation production.

This role is based in Chicago with national support and reports to the EVP Business Development and the Director in

Qualifications

• High-level organization skills with ability to calmly prioritize and multi-task.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills for diverse teams.
• Desire to implement hands-on details while engaging in strategic planning.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to evolving needs.
• Follow standards, take direction, and propose thoughtful solutions.
• Draft reports, presentations, and business correspondence; create Excel spreadsheets.
• Proficiency in Adobe and Microsoft Suite; Excel, Adobe Pro, PowerPoint, and Canva.

Responsibilities

• Collect and manage data, including guest attendance and new customer accounts.
• Provide administrative support to maintain client accounts and data.
• Coordinate gallery logistics for events and previews including signage, A/V, and invitations.
• Communicate with operations and directors to align calendars and logistics.
• Assist in planning special events and post-event lead tracking and ROI.
• Represent Heritage at previews and industry meetings; greet guests and attend conferences.
• Prepare quarterly business development reports for executive distribution.
• Work with Marketing on mailings and proposals; develop event presentations.

Skills

Organization

Relationship-building

Communication

Attention to detail

Planning

Excel

Adobe Pro

PowerPoint

Canva

Administrative support

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Job description

Description

Build your career with Heritage Auctions, the world’s largest collectibles auctioneer. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, Heritage Auctions has spent five decades connecting collectors with extraordinary objects and the stories behind them. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with offices across the United States and around the world, Heritage serves more than 50 auction categories, including Coins, Sports, Comics, Entertainment, Historical, Jewelry, Fine and Decorative Art, Luxury Accessories, Wine, and many more. Join a collaborative, fast-paced company where curiosity is valued, expertise is celebrated, and every day offers an opportunity to work with remarkable pieces of history and culture.

Job Description

The Business Development Assistant for Heritage Auctions supports all gallery events and auction previews, as well as external events, sponsorships and marketing initiatives. Organization, proactive attention to detail, and creativity play equal parts in this role, which includes administrative duties and coordination responsibilities for list and database management, event logistics, and presentation production. This role will be based in Chicago, but responsibilities will include national support, and will report to the EVP Business Development and Director Business Development Chicago.

Location: 222 West Hubbard Street Chicago, IL 60654

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
• Paid time off
• 401k savings plans

Compensation: $23-25/hr commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities

• Collect and manage data, including guest attendance, new customer accounts and updates, liaising with multiple databases and groups at corporate headquarters to ensure lists are correct and leveraged for future use
• Provide administrative support to maintain client accounts and up-to-date information and data.
• Coordinate gallery logistics for events and auction previews including window signage, A/V support, case orders and delivery, lot card production, invitations and catering
• Communicate with Operations Team and Consignment Directors to ensure calendars are aligned, roles are clear, and gallery logistics for previews and events are smooth
• Assist in the planning and overseeing of special events and outreach campaigns and provide administrative support for post-event lead tracking and ROI on conferences and sponsorships.
• Represent Heritage Auctions in the Chicago gallery by greeting guests at auction previews and special events, as well as at some industry meetings, including but not limited to Trusts & Estates regional conferences or appraisal visits.
• Manage quarterly Business Development reports summarizing activity across the country for executive team distribution
• Work closely with Marketing for mailings and proposals
• Develop presentations with leadership and consignment directors to present at events and conferences

Qualifications

• High-level organization skills with ability to calmly prioritize and multi-task while balancing immediate and long-term projects
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills to engage and support a diverse team and auction categories
• Desire to implement hands‑on tactical details while also engaging in strategic planning
• Willingness to learn and adapt
• Ability to follow standards, take direction, and propose thoughtful solutions
• Ability to draft reports, presentations, business correspondence, and create Excel spreadsheets.
• Commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality work
• Proficiency in Adobe and Microsoft Suites, with high-level knowledge of Excel, Adobe Pro, PowerPoint and Canva required
• Experience in gallery operations, administrative support, and relationship building
• Bachelor’s degree required

Heritage Auctions welcomes and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, mature workers, and persons with disabilities.

EOE