Specialist, Popular Culture

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which 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. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

THE ROLE

The Specialist in the Popular Culture department will focus on all aspects of the business with emphasis on sourcing, estimating and cataloging property for auction and private sales.  They will partner with the Vice Chairman of Popular Culture to set the sales and client strategy for the department and manage costs and revenues.  In addition, they will assist with developing and maintaining key client relationships, participate in business getting, liaise with consultants, and develop future consignors and buyers. This position will play a key role in helping to build and expand this growing department, which focuses on Popular Culture across Music, Film, Posters, Animation, and Comics.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Sale Development and Business Getting:

• Drive new business and consignments for auction, private sales. and marketplace 
• Work with the Vice Chairman of Popular Culture, the Business Manager and Specialist colleagues to meet the annual operating plan both domestic and international for a global department.
• Run proposal strategy meetings for competitive business getting and negotiations - meeting sales and net profit targets
• Negotiate sale terms, explain the auction process and procedures and provide service to clients throughout the sale process, both for auction and private sale from start to finish.
• Oversee sale running lists, client promises, and records of department and warehouse inventory.
• Set an example of scholarship – providing expertise, researching and cataloguing objects to the highest standard, according to client service and sale deadlines
• Provide mentoring and help to train less experienced colleagues, developing the team as individuals and as a whole to maximise the quality of the expertise and levels of client service offered by the business
• Ensure sale consignments are properly catalogued, researched and estimated; and provide accurate condition reports.
• Support teamwork within the department; monitoring work priorities and well-being within the Department
• Ensure close co-operation and good communications with international and senior colleagues across departments.

Client Development and Management:

• Continue to develop and nurture existing and new client relationships, focused on strategic long-term business development within the department and across categories
• Maintain an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally
• Engage in insurance and fair market value appraisals.
• Manage online valuations requests and telephone enquiries.  
• Ensure adherence to compliance policies and organization of the sale process, including shipping and cites requirements.

Department Press and Marketing:

• Work in conjunction with Vice Chairman and Managing Director to identify the marketing and business getting strategy
• With the Business Director, Luxury ensure accurate management of all sale related costs – e.g. catalogue production, marketing, margins – and contribute to the planning process
• Oversee sale exhibition planning and installation as well as layout and design for both online & printed catalogues.
• Writing catalogue essays, detailed footnotes and conducting picture research. 
• Engage in Press and Social outreach as appropriate, supporting the promotion of our sales.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• 8+ years of professional experience and expertise in research and cataloguing of Popular Culture, primarily in the fields of Music, Film, or Comics 
• Deep knowledge of the auction business and/or retail trade.
• Self-starter and proven ability to initiate business with a passion for the field.
• Areas of interest including but not limited to; vintage film posters, concert posters, certified awards, autographs, film & TV props, celebrity associated musical instruments, vintage studio equipment, stage worn fashion, film costume & accessories, rock & pop photography, rare records, lyric sheets, personal letters, manuscripts and ephemera, animation cels, rare comic books, and original comic art.
• Professional and discreet, operating with utmost confidentiality when dealing with high profile names and/or collections, showcasing exceptional client service skills.
• Strong multi-tasker with ability to prioritize with a willingness to learn about other parts of the business.
• Excellent research, writing and organizational skills with effective time management.
• A team player with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to maintain composure in a stressful environment and meet constant deadlines.
• Willingness to travel, and work outside office hours when required.

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $120,000-$160,000. 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. 

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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.