ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which 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. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
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THE ROLE
The Global Head of Restitution leads the worldwide team and has a significant public profile, acting as an ambassador for Sotheby’s and representing our market leading position and strong reputation in the field for restitutions.
RESPONSIBLITIES
- Drive the strategy for the Restitution Department Globally, managing the team.
- Oversee and direct workflow of Sotheby’s Global Restitution department’s research to prevent stolen objects from circulating in the art market and, in particular, resolving provenance issues of any item with ownership claims from the Nazi-era.
- Collaborate with business getters and cataloguers in each affected expert department to vet and research artworks being appraised, prospected or sold.
- Provide guidance and training to art specialists and other colleagues at Sotheby’s on policies surrounding stolen art and objects with Nazi-era provenance.
- Represent Sotheby’s and Sotheby’s Restitution as an ambassador at events including lectures and conferences globally.
- Organize Sotheby’s hosted events and educational seminars focusing on the nuances and scholarship in this area.
- Develop and maintain relationships with relevant lawyers, researchers and government bodies in the restitution field.
- Generate incremental business through research and contacts, specifically lawyers, heirs, museums and researchers.
- Publish articles in relevant magazines and be a recognised expert in the field.
- Work directly with clients and their advisors to navigate and resolve claims.
- Facilitate settlements between consignors and claimants and lead any sale claims management.
- Partner with colleagues to oversee compliance around source of funds.
- Act as a member of the Sotheby’s Ethics Committee.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- 10+ years of relevant experience in restitution and provenance research and business development
- JD or international legal degree or qualification required. While the Global Head of Restitution will not be practicing law, the role must understand the complexity of the legal issues involved.
- This role requires connections in the Restitution field (lawyers, government bodies), business getting experience, proven research skills, client and stakeholder management, presentation skills and press training.
- Fluency in German, with working knowledge of French
- The successful candidate must be a team player, able to work in a collaborative environment and have excellent communication skills.
- Ability to travel internationally frequently
- Please note that we are also willing to hire in Germany or Paris
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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.