Research & Publishing Associate

Artjobs; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Company holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Commuter benefits

Free on-site parking

Life insurance

Job summary

Rago/Wright in Los Angeles seeks a Research & Publishing Associate, Design and Decorative Arts to join our collaborative team and help bring auction stories to life. You will research works, craft descriptions, coordinate with specialists, and ensure accuracy across catalogs and web listings, while supporting authentication research and client service.

You will collaborate with specialists, assist in sale-day operations, and contribute to the quality and integrity of our published content across

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.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Slack, and database systems.

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

Organizational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Art History

Tools

Word

Excel

Slack

Database systems

Job description

Connecting Creative Minds, Arts & Creative Opportunities and Jobs

Rago/Wright is seeking a detail-oriented and organized art and design researcher to join our collaborative team and help bring our auction stories to life.

Rago/Wright is looking for a Research & Publishing Associate, Design and Decorative Arts to join our collaborative team and help bring our auction stories to life. This role sits at the heart of our catalog and publishing process—researching works, crafting and refining descriptions, coordinating content with specialists, and ensuring the accuracy of everything we publish, from catalogs to web listings. This role will also contribute to authentication research, support high-level auction content, assist clients with inquiries, and participate in sale-day operations. If you’re passionate about research, writing, and delivering exceptional client service, we’d love to hear from you.

Rago/Wright is a network of auction houses specializing in fine art, design, decorative arts, jewelry and watches, and pop culture. Comprised of six industry-leading brands - Rago, Wright, LA Modern Auctions, Toomey & Co., Poster Auctions International, and Landry Pop Auctions – we represent a powerful force in the marketplace. With galleries in Lambertville, NJ, Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA, and New York City, NY, our teams collaborate across departments and locations, working closely together to support the company leading up to and during auctions and exhibitions in a fast-paced and creatively driven environment. This is a unique opportunity to work with an industry leader and contribute to a dynamic, collaborative environment where art and design are celebrated.

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 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

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
• 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
• Salary: $55,000–$65,000 annually, depending on experience and skillset
• 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 an end of yearoffice closure
• Employee Assistance Program
• Commuter Benefits Program and free on-site parking

This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for the role.