Associate Specialist, African & Oceanic Art, Europe

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

This person will lead research and cataloguing for all Paris-based sales that include Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, ensuring accuracy, depth of scholarship, and consistency with Sotheby’s standards. They will take responsibility for the operational execution of auctions, including cataloguing, photography coordination, and sale processing.  They must be collaborative and able to support the European Head of Department, as well as the global department throughout the year. The ideal candidate brings a genuine passion for the art and objects, wants to be a part of a teams, upholds the highest ethical standards, and serves as an ambassador for Sotheby’s, helping to maintain and enhance the company’s reputation in Paris and around the world. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Specialist Duties

• Assistance with evaluation of potential consignments in cooperation with Head of Department and international team.
• Cataloguing of consigned items for auction and private sales, including in-depth research of objects, for authenticity, condition, quality, provenance, and compliance in cooperation with Head of Department and international team.
• Composition of catalogue essays in French and English to the highest standard and maintaining scheduled copy deadlines.
• Management of operational aspects of catalogue production including photography, image editing, color-correction and layout, in coordination with catalogue production department and other support departments, maintaining scheduled production deadlines.
• Assistance with production of valuation documents, maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency.
• Assistance with the operational production of proposals and presentations for business-getting  and other purposes including private sale presentations, fact-sheets, price comparisons and market analysis.

Client Service

• Addressing day-to-day client enquiries by email, telephone, and in person, serving as the first point of contact for general enquiries.
• Maintaining the highest standards of professionalism as a confident, knowledgeable, and congenial ambassador for the African & Oceanic Art department and Sotheby’s.
• Providing excellent and comprehensive service to Sotheby’s clients both verbally and in written communication, responding swiftly and accurately to estimate requests, business enquiries, and client requirements including coordination and oversight of operational processes including accounting, shipping, and other logistical needs.

Internal Operational Duties

• In addition to the set of Specialist Duties related to catalogue production:
• Planning, organization, and production of physical pre-sale exhibitions, maintaining the highest standards of exhibition quality.
• Coordination of in-person client viewings of artwork, ensuring efficient setup and high standards of presentations.
• Assisting in the coordination of promotional materials, in-person events, and marketing campaigns in cooperation with relevant departments at Sotheby’s.
• Coordination with third-party vendors including base-makers and conservators including movement of property to and from vendors.
• Coordination of physical movement of property including occasional hand-carry of items to and from clients before and after sales.
• Maintenance of department library and archives, ensuring that senior specialists have resources readily available for reference and research.

Business Development

• Assisting with the development and nurturing of trusting client relationships, both on behalf of senior colleagues and on one’s own.
• Accompanying senior colleagues on in-person client visits for appraisals and other meetings.
• Attendance of market gatherings and social events, including after business hours, acting as a representative of the department and Sotheby’s, helping to maintain our presence in the market and cultivation of our good reputation in the field.

Ethics

• In all aspects of the role and at all times, operating in accordance with Sotheby’s compliance policies, corporate governance rules, and ethical standards, exemplifying Sotheby’s world-class standards of professionalism and integrity.

IDEAL COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE

• Have a passionate interest in African and Oceanic Art and the art world in general, and possess some degree of expert knowledge combined with market awareness.
•  Knowledge of academic archives and reference sources would be an advantage.
• Be a collaborative team player, with the desire and ability to work within the structure of both the departmental team and the entire company, respecting hierarchies and opportunities to receive education and mentorship
• Have ambition and willingness to develop a long-term career in the field.
• Possess relevant market experience.
• Possess demonstrable research skills, thorough organizational ability, curiosity, attention to detail, and strong desire to learn.
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, and a commitment to an exemplary level of client service.
• Be willing and able to work well under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Possess strong technical skills including excellent computer literacy and fluency with online systems and resources, as well as the ability to learn new digital tools both internal and external to Sotheby’s, including artificial intelligence.
• Be fluent in spoken and written French and English.  Other language skills a plus.

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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.