Temporary Associate Cataloguer, Private Sales & Middle Market Auctions

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 is seeking a Temporary Associate Cataloguer to support the Private Sales and Middle Market Auction teams. This role will assist in researching, cataloguing and preparing works for upcoming auctions and private sales. The position offers exposure to all stages of the auction and private sale cycles and close collaboration with specialists, researchers, and cross-departmental partners. 

• Assist with cataloguing, researching and preparing notes for Private Sales and Middle Market Global Fine Art departments. 
• Organize scans and references for catalogue entries/perform thorough book checks and vetting 
• Draft catalogue essays  
• Maintain comprehensive property files for sale including fact sheets, images and supporting documentation  
• Support proposal process for business getting efforts  
• Contribute to valuation listings as needed  
• Collaborate on paste-ups and layouts for both digital and print publications, from online catalogues to printed mini books and collection catalogues  
• Ensure color accuracy of lot images and assist with direction for photography and video  
• Liaise with necessary support departments including pre-sale administration, registrars, catalogue production, press and marketing  
• Closely examine condition of works and liaise with third-party conservators for professional condition reports and treatment  
• Collaborate with sale team on exhibition preparation and installation  
• Support the larger department by answering the phones and handling mainline requests  
• Ad hoc projects and assignments as needed and assigned by manager  
• Manage authentication processes and gallery outreach for authentication purposes 

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES 

• Bachelor’s degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest 
• 1-2 years of professional experience required 
• General knowledge of Contemporary art history, artists and values 
• Self-starter  
• Extreme familiarity with Institutional library systems 
• Impeccable organizational & writing skills 
• Strong time-management skills 
• A team player with excellent communication skills  
• Thorough and focused, with a passion and commitment to learning about and working in the field  
• Professional and discreet client service skills  
• Dependable, proactive, mature 
• Long hours required, included late evenings and weekends during sale deadlines, exhibitions and auctions 
• Ability to multitask and perform in a pressured environment and handle high level of responsibility 
• Ability to work well with others as well as independently in order to achieve deadlines 
• Proficiency in Spanish is a plus 

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $25 - $26/hr. 

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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.