Senior Specialist, Contemporary Art

ABOUT SOTHEBY''S Established in 1744, Sotheby''s is the world''s premier destination for art and luxury. Synonymous with innovation, Sotheby''s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions, private sales and retail locations. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.THE ROLE Working as a Specialist in the Contemporary Art Department (and Global Fine Arts Division) in New York this person will have the responsibility for business and client development to meet sales and profit targets. Business development for the Day and Evening Sales in the Contemporary Department.RESPONSIBILITIES Lead mid to long term strategic initiatives to manage and grow the Contemporary Art client base, working closely with the global department, the Fine Arts division, executive management, the business and client development teams Collaborate with other senior members of the Global Fine Arts Division to initiate wider business getting opportunities across different collecting categories; in particular providing ongoing support and expertise to the Contemporary Art market Develop with Client development specific client priorities, key business strategies and action plans for existing or newly identified clients. Setting milestones and key objectives and then executing against these strategies. Report regularly to client development on progress and challenges in developing these clients. Actively manage a portfolio of client relationships, identifying key business strategies for each client and executing against these strategies. Responsible for actively managing a portfolio of assigned Contemporary client relationships to enhance client loyalty and generate business, targeting high-value consignment opportunities Apply creativity, innovative thinking and resourcefulness to find new opportunities that will increase transactions on both consignment and selling side of the business. Secure consignments for each major sale in NY and London, working with business director to maximize deal margins, and providing support to other sale venues as needed. Responsible for business getting for the sales and managing complex potential consignments Working with all GFA specialists to sell the sale by helping clients at the exhibition; speaking to clients about the property; develop, track and communicate client interest in lots; and execute bids at sale Collaborate across the Fine Art Division-including Impressionist & Modern, Contemporary, Latin American, and American Art. Drive innovation to reimagine sale platforms. Encourage experimentation. Develop buyers and contribute bids to each major New York and London auction. Facilitate high level Private Sales where possible Build profile as a leading specialist in the field and develop a superior market expertise. Develop profile within Contemporary and wider arts communities by attending major art fairs, exhibitions and museum openings Participate in department meetings, including estimating sessions, sourcing discussions and selling meetings. Coordinate and oversee proposals and appraisals where appropriate. Assist with, and/or direct, as appropriate, business development proposals, research projects and large appraisals Contribute to pre-sale duties, including catalogue research, cataloguing, proof-reading, color-proofing and exhibition set-up as needed. Actively participate in relevant presale exhibitions and internal and external events (including traveling exhibitions) to cultivate bidders, promote and sell the sales, with additional international travel as determined by business needs Encourage teamwork, collaboration and productivity, always leading by example. Regular domestic travel required (and occasional international travel). IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES Minimum of 6-8 years of related business experience Broad knowledge of, exposure to, and network with American collectors and dealers Demonstrated expertise and market knowledge of 20 th and 21 st Century Art, with a particular focus on works created 1945 - present. Proven track record of translating relationships into consignments and sales Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate passionately and persuasively Energetic self-starter and independent worker that can thrive in a fast-pace environment Team player who can collaborate productively and contribute to a common goal Strong organizational skills, with the ability to see projects through from start to finish Demonstrates good judgment, discretion and professionalism at all times Foreign languages a plus To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the US, please click here . To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the UK, Hong Kong, France and Switzerland, please click here . 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.

Created: 2025-11-15