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Associate Specialist – Popular Culture
| Company | Sotheby’s |
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| Location | New York, NY, USA |
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| Salary | $75000 – $100000 |
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| Type | Full-Time |
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| Degrees | Bachelor’s |
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| Experience Level | Senior |
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Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Expertise and experience in the research and cataloguing of Popular Culture, primarily in the fields of Music, Film, or Comics – ideally 6+ Years in the field
- Knowledge of the auction business and/or retail trade
- Self-starter and proven ability to initiate business with a passion for the field
- Professional and discreet, operating with upmost confidentiality when dealing with high profile names and/or collections, showcasing exceptional client service skills
- Strong multi-tasker with ability to prioritize with a willingness to learn about other parts of the business
- Excellent research, writing and organizational skills with effective time management
- A team player with excellent communication skills
- Ability to maintain composure in a stressful environment and meet constant deadlines
- Willingness to travel, and work outside office hours when required
Responsibilities
- Help drive new business and consignments for auction, private sales, and marketplace
- Work with the Vice Chairman of Popular Culture, the Business Manager and Specialist colleagues to meet the annual operating plan both domestic and international for a global department
- Participate in proposal strategy meetings for competitive business getting
- Write notes for proposals and coordinate production with proposals and design
- Negotiate sale terms, explain the auction process and procedures and provide service to clients throughout the sale process, both for auction and private sale from start to finish
- Ensuring property is added to the sale running list, with any promises made to clients noted
- Ensure sale consignments are properly catalogued, researched and estimated; and provide accurate condition reports
- Maintain accurate records of department and warehouse inventory
- Maintain an exceptionally high level of client service, both internally and externally
- Develop and maintain a network of clients, supporting sales within the department and across categories
- Manage online valuations requests and telephone enquiries
- Engage in insurance and fair market value appraisals under the guidance of Senior Specialists
- Assist in resolving post-sale issues
- Aid in ensuring adherence to compliance policies and organization of the sale process. To include shipping and cites requirements
- Preparing exhibition planning and installation with the Operations department
- Help with both online & printed catalogue layout and design
- Manage the photography of items for sale with the in-house team
- Writing catalogue essays, detailed footnotes and conducting picture research
- Engage in Press and Social outreach as appropriate, supporting the promotion of our sales.
Preferred Qualifications
- Areas of interest including but not limited to; vintage film posters, concert posters, certified awards, autographs, film & TV props, celebrity associated musical instruments, vintage studio equipment, stage worn fashion, film costume & accessories, rock & pop photography, rare records, lyric sheets, personal letters, manuscripts and ephemera, animation cels, rare comic books, and original comic art.
