Research & Publishing Associate

LA Modern Auctions; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligible

401(k) company match

Life insurance

PTO 18 days

Holidays

EAP

Commuter benefits

Remote work possible

Job summary

Rago/Wright, a leading network of auction houses, seeks a Research & Publishing Associate, Design and Decorative Arts, to research works, refine catalog descriptions, collaborate with specialists, support authentication research, and assist with sale-day operations.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in a gallery or museum setting, a BA in Art History or related field, strong writing skills, and meticulous attention to detail. Possible remote work is available for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in an auction house, gallery, or museum setting.
• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Fine Arts, or related field.
• Strong understanding of authentication and provenance research practices.

Responsibilities

• Research all items presented to the market with the Rago/Wright brands.
• Determine sales top lots and coordinate each auction description plan with colleagues.
• Work with specialists and clients to complete descriptions, including provenance details as well as potential additional content on any given item or groups of items.
• Work with foundations and other resources for authentication purposes.
• Create or flag additional content to complement offerings of higher end auction items and assist in digesting this information for distribution via other pages and platforms.
• Proof catalogs and condition reports prior to publication.
• Proof emails and other web content before it is set to go live.
• Update lot details on our websites as well as third party sites as needed.
• Assist with customer service in a wide range of areas from general inquiries and gallery visits to sales inquiries, shipping assistance, bid registration and more.
• Provide customer service to bidders
• Provide day of sale assistance as needed

Skills

Attention to detail

Written communication

Verbal communication

Multitasking

Client service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Fine Arts, or related field

Tools

Word

Excel

Slack

Databases

Job description

Rago/Wright is a leading network of auction houses specializing in fine art, design, decorative arts, jewelry and watches, and pop culture. Representing six industry-leading brands—Rago, Wright, LA Modern Auctions, Toomey & Co., Poster Auctions International, and Landry Pop Auctions—with galleries across Lambertville, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City, Rago/Wright brings expertise, creativity, and collaboration together to shape the marketplace.

We’re seeking a Research & Publishing Associate, Design and Decorative Arts to play a key role in bringing auction stories to life. This detail-oriented position will research works, develop and refine catalog and web descriptions, collaborate with specialists, support authentication research and high-level auction content, respond to client inquiries, and assist with sale-day operations. If you’re passionate about art and design, research, writing, accuracy, and exceptional client service, this is an opportunity to contribute to a fast-paced, creatively driven team at an industry leader.

To succeed as the Research & Publishing Associate, you should have:

• 2+ years of experience in an auction house, gallery, or museum setting
• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Fine Arts, or related field
• Strong understanding of authentication and provenance research practices
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Proficiency in standard computer programs such as Word, Excel, Slack, and database systems

Your responsibilities as the Research & Publishing Associate will include:

• Research all items presented to the market with the Rago/Wright brands
• Determine sales top lots and coordinate each auction description plan with colleagues
• Work with specialists and clients to complete descriptions, including provenance details as well as potential additional content on any given item or groups of items
• Work with foundations and other resources for authentication purposes
• Create or flag additional content to complement offerings of higher end auction items and assist in digesting this information for distribution via other pages and platforms
• Proof catalogs and condition reports prior to publication
• Proof emails and other web content before it is set to go live
• Update lot details on our websites as well as third party sites as needed
• Assist with customer service in a wide range of areas from general inquires and gallery visits to sales inquiries, shipping assistance, bid registration and more
• Provide customer service to bidders
• Provide day of sale assistance as needed

Best-in-Class Benefits and Culture:

We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by a competitive compensation of $55,000 - $65,000 annually, depending on experience, and an extensive benefits package including:

• Eligible for annual performance bonus
• Safe Harbor 401(k) with 3% company contribution
• Basic life insurance (covered by us)
• 18 days of paid personal time off and about 10 company holidays per year, including a holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commuter Benefits Program and free on-site parking
• Possible remote work for the right candidate

Plus, we work to maintain the best environment for our employees, where people can learn and grow with the company. We strive to provide a collaborative, creative environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

Bring Art, Research & Stories to Life.

If you’re ready to turn your passion for art and design into meaningful auction experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Join Rago/Wright and become part of a collaborative, creative team where your research, writing, and attention to detail help shape how exceptional works are discovered, presented, and celebrated.

We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.