International Senior Specialist, Books

Sotheby's Institute of Art; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York seeks a Senior Specialist in the Books and Manuscripts department. You will source, estimate, catalog, and coordinate sale activity across New York and London, with involvement in private sales and major consignments.

Ideal candidates have at least five years in an auction house or major dealer, plus deep Books and Manuscripts knowledge and strong client-development and writing skills. This is a high‑demand, deadline-driven role in a global market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a related field preferred.
• At least five years of experience with an auction house or major dealer.
• Experience in Books and Manuscripts, managing various and single-owner sales.
• Self-starter with initiative to develop business.
• Excellent writing and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Work with Head of Americas, Business Managers, and colleagues in London and Paris to meet the Americas operating plan.
• Ensure property is added to the sale running list and consult on client promises.
• Participate in proposal meetings and strategy for business getting.
• Coordinate with Press and Marketing on property for unified campaigns.
• Responsible for Books and Manuscripts sales in New York; cataloguing and estimating.
• Negotiate sale terms and provide client service through auction and private sale.
• Assist in compliance and with exhibitions and installations.
• Develop client relationships and strategic opportunities in Books and Manuscripts.

Skills

Communication skills

Writing ability

Organizational skills

Discretion in client service

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

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.

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

Working as a Senior Specialist in the Books and Manuscripts department in New York, but focusing on all aspects of the business including sourcing, estimating, and cataloguing property for auction and private sales, and overseeing the coordination of sales in New York and London (and sale series that include London and Paris, as needed). In addition, this person will assist with aligning the global sale calendar with an emphasis on New York and London, developing key client relationships, and participating in business getting with oversight of major trade, private, and institutional consignments.

Responsibilities

Sale Process

• Work with the Head of Americas, Business Managers, and colleagues in both London and Paris to meet the annual operating plan for the Americas
• Ensure property is added to the sale running list and consult with the Head of Department and Business Manager regarding any promises made to the clients
• Participate in proposal meetings and strategy for competitive business getting
• Interact with Press and Marketing departments on relevant properties as necessary, creating unified marketing campaigns for appropriate property
• Responsible for Books and Manuscripts sales in New York, working with other department members to ensure sales are properly researched, catalogued, and estimated. Duties include print and digital catalogue layout and design, drafting catalogue entries, and providing accurate condition reports
• Negotiate sale terms, explain processes and procedures, and provide service to clients throughout the sale process, both for auction and private sale
• Aid in ensuring adherence to compliance policies throughout sale processes
• Working with the Operations team to conceptualize and execute exhibitions and their installations
• Produce copy for, and coordinate the design, of proposals
• Engage in insurance and fair market value appraisals
• Assist in resolving post sale issues

Client Development

• Develop new and manage existing client contacts and strategic opportunities in the field of Books and Manuscripts with a focus on business getting as a part of a coordinated effort within an International Department
• Identify and maintain relationships with clients, dealers, and collectors
• Develop key consignors and buyer relationships

Ideal Experience & Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree required, with an advanced degree in a related field preferred
• At least five years of experience with an auction house or major dealer
• Experience and expertise in the field of Books and Manuscripts, with an emphasis on managing various and single owner sales
• Self-starter and proven ability to initiate business
• A team player with excellent communication skills
• Organized, thorough, focused, with a passion and commitment to the field
• Professional and discreet client service skills
• Excellent writing and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain composure in a stressful environment and meet constant deadlines
• Strong multi-tasker
• Knowledge of the auction business both in the US, UK, and Europe

Key Goals for This Position

• Build strong running lists for live sale series, while cultivating complementary running lists for parallel online sales without conflicting or competing property
• Adherence to sale cataloguing and sale deadlines, optimizing the effectiveness of Marketing (video, editorial, and social media) and Press campaigns
• Overseeing sale outreach, including liaising with Client Strategy, following up with existing clients, and engaging our new bidders

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $120,000-$170,000. 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.

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.