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
The Client Liaison and Department Assistant focuses on client liaison, supporting pre- and post-sale activities and assisting Fine Art Specialists. The position also includes administrative and operational support as needed, helping to maintain consistent standards across Sotheby’s European offices.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Organize pipeline management meetings with the GFA team to review sourcing initiatives and ongoing activity.
- Support client requests related to property management, including consignments, pre- and post-sale administration, bid registration and execution, loan requests, transactional history, accounts, and valuations.
- Coordinate and execute the pre-sale targeting strategy for global auctions.
- Track and maintain pre-sale target lists, current and potential consignment lists, buyer and under-bidder results, and artist sourcing projects in collaboration with relevant specialists.
- For the Fine Art Department in Switzerland, monitor the consignment process before and after sales to ensure a seamless selling experience and high sell-through rates.
- Maintain communication with departments such as Shipping, Client Accounts, Events, Sotheby’s Preferred, other specialist departments, and European and global salerooms to guarantee a smooth process and consistently high client service.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Company’s domestic and international auction processes, as well as Private Sales, to communicate effectively with existing and potential clients.
- Assist Specialists during client visits, valuations, and proposals.
- Maintain and update accurate client lists for mailings, invitations, and general engagement.
- Support the Swiss GFA Team with client and business development initiatives (e.g. updating the client system, sending large volumes of emails such as pre-sale targeting and event invitations).
- Act as an effective liaison with other departments and international colleagues to ensure a seamless service to mutual clients.
- Deal effectively with general queries, problem-solve, and follow tasks through to completion.
- Support the Geneva offices with day-to-day administrative tasks, such as answering office phones, welcoming clients, and receipting consignments.
- Support corporate events.
- Post and park invoices using Concur.
- Provide support to the Head of Fine Art with general office management tasks, including supplies, internal coordination, and ad hoc administrative requests.
- Support occasional projects or initiatives as requested by the Head of Offices.
- Assist with shipping and logistics as needed.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge, passion, and commitment to the art field, both locally and internationally.
- Degree holder or equivalent (art-related master’s or bachelor’s degree preferred).
- Fluent in English (mandatory); French is a plus; any additional languages are an asset.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong commitment to delivering exemplary client service.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, within a cross-departmental organisation.
- Ability to work in a demanding, matrix environment, with a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks and a proven ability to meet deadlines.
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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.
