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 Head of Proposals, Americas, partners closely with Senior Specialists, Chairmen, and other business-development officers throughout the business-getting cycle, developing strategies tailored to the specific needs of high-value collectors and fiduciaries. The Head of Proposals, Americas leads cross-functional meetings at the kick-off for all major projects, develops strategies and action plans in alignment with the business leads, and closely monitors the progress of each proposal through the pitch with clients. S/he must have strong communication and leadership skills, excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, the gravitas to make executive decisions when needed, and a steady and diplomatic demeanor under pressure.
This role will lead a New York-based team of talented writers, project managers and designers, ensuring excellence against tight deadlines, driving creative innovation, analyzing results and seeking feedback to ensure a cycle of continual improvement. S/he is a mentor to each member of the team, reviewing the work of writers and designers, providing guidance, and nurturing leadership skills. S/he is responsible for the timely completion of all projects, and ensures that they create the best possible impression on our clients.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and nurture positive relationships with senior business-getters and colleagues in New York and other Sotheby’s locations in North America. Maintain a thorough ongoing knowledge of their business goals, customer priorities, and competitive environment and in turn, help them to understand and embrace new business pitching approaches.
- Meet regularly with the General Managers in the specialist departments and the Heads of Business Development and Consignment Management to track business opportunities and develop a project pipeline.
- Establish briefing, assignment and workflow processes.
- Manage a team of writers, project managers, designers and a data analyst. Assist and managing workloads, ensuring deadlines are met and work is of the highest possible standard. Define and direct team strategy. Manage departmental budget.
- Directly manage selected proposal projects when required due to capacity, importance or confidentiality.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues across the Marketing Division, especially the Director for Marketing and Strategy, GFA; Director of Creative Services; and Director of Digital Marketing. Confer regularly with the Head of Business Development Support, in London, and collaborate on trans-Atlantic proposals.
- Monitor broader developments in Proposals/Bids industry to stay at the forefront – conducting research, attending conferences and connecting with suppliers.
- Keep abreast of market data, media coverage and general developments at Sotheby’s and in the broader art market, in order to keep proposals fresh, relevant and compelling.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
- 6+ years as a manager or director in a directly relevant industry.
- Ability to supervise a creative team in both print and digital realms.
- Solutions-oriented with strong process and project management skills
- Excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills, as well as strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
- Ability to collaborate in a team environment as well as to work independently.
- Able to prioritize in complex, fast-paced environment while managing a high-pressured team.
- Highly motivated, organized, proactive, enthusiastic and resourceful.
- Proficient use of InDesign and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint
The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $120,000-$160,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.
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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.