PRIMARY FUNCTION
This position will be responsible for the research and cataloguing of all Private Sales transactions, and PHILLIPS X exhibitions. The role will also support and facilitate Private Sale leads through researching and leveraging client data. Phillips values a workforce with a wide variety of experiences, backgrounds and skills, so we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the qualifications.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support Private Sales transactions for the Americas:
- Review cataloguing and pricing info; investigate or correct if needed so there is a last point of strong quality control before a fact sheet or offer goes out to clients.
- Target specialists as needed; to make connections between buyers and sellers via their PCs; manage a diligent feedback and record keeping system.
- Proactively help source property for potential sale by leveraging our databases and client intelligence resources to their fullest potential.
- Conduct all cataloguing and research for the Americas
- Research, catalogue, and condition report all property for Private Sales transactions
- Research and catalogue all property for Private Selling exhibitions.
- Lead the due diligence and expertise process for all private sales and exhibitions for the Americas.
- Using auction standards, undertake research, as required, including authenticity, bibliography, provenance and exhibition history for auction, valuation, private sales, exhibitions, marketing material and proposals, using libraries, online databases, the internet, and outside experts and coordinate with relevant team members on findings.
- Assist with the sale and marketing plans/competitive messages and collaborate with the Proposals and Marketing department on relevant material.
- Coordinate and act as a key contact with the Proposals, Design, Press and Marketing departments.
- Assist the department in all aspects of department material delivery including scheduling, researching, writing, editing and proofreading of catalogues, proposals and other material as assigned by Deputy Chairwoman, Head of Private Sales, or Head of Private Sales, Europe, or supporting Specialist.
- Proof all research and material for the department and review with Deputy Chairwoman, Head of Private Sales, or Head of Private Sales, Europe, or supporting Specialist.
- Work closely with the sale team to select and compile historically relevant art and commercial comparative images for illustration in the catalogue, proposals and other material as appropriate
- Prepare property for property review meetings with Deputy Chairwoman, Head of Private Sales and supporting Specialists to determine value, condition and marketability, and amend cataloguing to state changes.
- Compile relevant auction comparables for pricing meetings.
- Proof and complete all research for cataloguing using auction standards and review with the Deputy Chairwoman, Head of Private Sales, or Head of Private Sales, Europe, or supporting Specialist.
- Catalogue property for auction, exhibition, valuation and private sale using auction standards.
- Research and write catalogue notes and other marketing material where appropriate.
- Prepare condition reports and review with the Deputy Chairwoman, Head of Private Sales, or Head of Private Sales, Europe, or supporting Specialist.
- Assist with catalogue production and layout, including photography coordination and copyright clearance for comparative images.
- Assist in the viewing room during Modern & Contemporary Art sale week.
- Assist clients in the gallery, or via e-mail, telephone.
- Send out special interest letters (cataloguing, provenance, expertise confirmation and approval).
- Work in collaboration with the rest of the Private Sales team maintaining communication, accuracy of information and workflow management.
- Responsible for the organization, cataloguing and augmentation of the department’s library.
- Assist with administrative, financial and logistics duties as and when required for the department.
- Maintain relevant files, filling, corporate documents, databases and systems in an efficient manner.
- Perform any other ad-hoc duties as requested.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Art History or related field, or relevant work experience, required.
- Master’s degree in Art History or related field, preferred.
- 2+ years of work experience performing similar duties, preferably in an auction house or internationally recognized gallery or museum.
- Language skills in addition to English, preferred.
PERSONAL ATTRBUTES
- Ability to communicate in a professional manner with a wide variety of people including written and verbal communication.
- Ability to operate with grace under pressure while delivering a high standard of work on tight deadlines.
- Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with all other areas within the business.
- Ability to handle confidential information discreetly and responsibly.
- Proactive with excellent project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to deal effectively and efficiently with multiple tasks.
- Proactive with excellent organization skills.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Knowledge of contemporary art with an ability to write essays for the catalogues.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work is primarily undertaken in our New York office with frequent visits to our warehouse and other venues as and when required.
- Weekends and evenings required where necessary.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- The hourly pay range for this role is $24.04-$26.44 per hour.
Application Instructions / Public Contact InformationTo apply please visit:https://phillipsauctioneers.bamboohr.com/careers/377. Please be advised: due to the high volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those candidates whose skills and backgrounds best fit the needs of the open position.