Client Strategist

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

Sotheby’s Client Strategy team develops and implements strategies around existing clients and gathers intelligence on key high net worth individuals in order to generate commercial opportunities.  Partnering with areas of the business including Specialist Departments, Regional Offices, Marketing, Business Intelligence, Special Events, and other key business units, this team is responsible for spearheading initiatives to maximize Sotheby’s reach within its existing and prospective client base.

The primary responsibility of this role is close collaboration with client strategy colleagues and specialist teams to devise and execute strategic plans for key clients to maximize transactions for specific divisions and the company. This is an internal non-client facing role which relies on highly proficient Excel skills to extract and manipulate data to inform strategy combined with the ability to build effective partnerships with colleagues.

Utilizing Sotheby’s external data, this role will focus on client cultivation with the goal of increasing new client acquisition, improving existing client knowledge, sourcing business, and strategically targeting transactional opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with global fine arts departments on new potential clients and bring awareness of advisory business to specialist teams
• Provide strategic sale-related support, including tailored pre-sale targeting working with digital and AI tools, researching prospective bidders and executing post-sale meetings
• Partner with Client Strategists to do research for top client reviews, team meetings, regional meetings, and to support key auctions
• Proactively and frequently communicate with specialists and Business Directors about relevant event, travel and visit opportunities and generate and suggest event ideas to facilitate the implementation of strategic plans
• Conduct top client reviews with individual RMs to identify gaps, progress and opportunities in their portfolio of clients
• Regularly and systematically review Collector/Rich lists, including Forbes, ArtNews Top 200, real estate listings, and other media to ensure the accuracy of Sotheby’s existing client data and identify potential new clients
• Support team meetings and internal presentations by taking meeting minutes, paying close attention to action points, and circulating post meeting
• Create PowerPoint presentations/project decks as required
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of client information in CRM throughout the year
• Create team meeting briefs, family trees and high-level presentations to provide an overview of key families/clients
• Identify opportunities to increase cross-departmental transactions across all formats and platforms including Marketplace, SFS and Private Treaty
• For bespoke seated events, assist with invitation list building, collaborate with Special Events team, and create client biographies
• Support the team with regular reviews of “at risk” clients to assess progress of relationships

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor's Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a related role within the art market.
• Excellent analytical, research, and interpersonal skills and the ability to identify and drive growth opportunities.
• Team player with a positive working rapport with colleagues.
• Superior organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks with speed and efficiency.
• A deep understanding of Sotheby’s or related digital platforms, tools, and technologies (including Microsoft Excel), and a passion for innovation on all fronts.
• Advanced user of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Effective at supporting change management and comfortable managing large amounts of evolving data
• Ability to run basic stats and work through large quantities of data to analyze trends
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail, with excellent writing/editing skills
• Ability to interact professionally and confidently with business getters

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $60,000-$70,000. 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.