Specialist, Modern Collectibles

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

Sotheby’s Modern Collectibles and Sports Memorabilia Department is seeking a Specialist to join our dynamic team, focusing on helping drive the growth of our position in the global sports memorabilia market, with a particular focus on developing online collectibles sales. You will have specialist knowledge and experience in the sports memorabilia market, be an independent, self-starter, tasked with building a network of potential and current trade and private clients to accelerate the growth of our business. 

The Specialist will: provide clients with pricing; negotiate profitable sales, meet P&L plan and margin targets across the business. Reporting to the VP, Sports Strategy and Development he or she will negotiate deals, inspect and catalogue sports objects, provide advice to buyers both for collecting and investing, direct and attend events and provide general organization and administration on all levels.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project manage Collectibles projects from inception to execution, tracking each detail to completion
• Securing profitable consignments for auction, direct acquisition opportunities through retail, marketplace, meeting individual revenue targets and helping the team meet annual plan
• Responsible for selling sports memorabilia to clients via telephone, email, in-person and at events
• Provide advice to buyers across both auction & retail
• Events creation/management/participation to include client development and entertaining
• Participate in the development of marketing content including tailored offers and content for email, website, and social media campaigns
• Perform property inspection of memorabilia at Sotheby’s and on-site at client’s premises (as needed)
• Maintain accurate records of warehouse inventory
• Provide a high level of customer service to all clients
• Cross-selling the business to all Sotheby’s clients

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Exceptional knowledge of sports relevant to the auction & retail market
• Understand and demonstrate a “no compromise” attitude towards luxury: protecting the Sotheby’s Modern Collectibles brand vision and brand equity while achieving short term sales goals
• Experience in developing clientele over time and nurturing relationships with an existing client network
• High level of attention to detail is a must
• Self-starter with an ability to make commercial decisions independently
• Strong ability to network and convert social connections into business opportunities
• Experience networking and selling to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals
• Professional, discreet and commercial client service skills
• Fluent in both writing and speaking English
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel
• Travel may be required

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $100,000-$140,000. 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.