THE ROLE

Sitting within the Luxury Department, the Business Development Associate supports Sotheby’s sales, client engagement efforts and marketing. This role is expected to closely collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement effective business strategies focused around client and property opportunities to fuel the growth and development of the jewelry department. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Business Development and Marketing:
• Assist the Business Development Manager with working with the relevant marketing and events teams with organizing events, lunches, and client activities.
• Help in planning and executing sales-related and non-sales-related events.
• Work with marketing and client development teams to create and distribute business materials like invitations and letters.
• Attend meetings to provide input on marketing promises and proposals.
• Assist in creating documents and gathering statistics for proposals.
• Generate reports and lists using Tableau.
• Participate in pricing sessions and departmental meetings.
• Collaborate with senior team members on long-term business leads and collections

• Sale Related Responsibilities
• Complete non-catalogue photography for all auctions (e.g., worn images, additional angles).
• Oversee the creation of client listings for New York and traveling exhibitions
• Participate in all sales and highlight exhibitions, events and auctions.
• Oversee client requests for condition reports, additional photography of lots and other inquiries related to upcoming sales, including international sale requests when relevant.
• Liaise with bids department and client services, assisting with setting up bids, new accounts, gathering IDs, setting up skyboxes.
• Aid the Jewelry team with client inquiries, resolving client issues, aiding pre- or post-sale servicing, and execute client transactions to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction.
• Occasional long hours required, including late evenings and weekends especially during sale deadlines, exhibitions, and auctions.

• Client development support
  • Ensure client data is up-to-date and accurate in Sotheby’s systems
  • Aid in outreach initiatives by maintaining interest lists, updating client systems, and sending target emails.
  • Coordinate with category leads to arrange interest meetings.
  • Assist in identifying clients for sales outreach and analyzing client data. 

• Business getting support
• Answer and direct incoming and outgoing communication in a timely manner (phone calls, general inbox, mail and packages).
• Meet with client walkins, managing the intake process and coordinating with the appropriate specialist on next steps.
• Manage auction estimate enquiries, ensuring they are handled in the highest standard of accuracy and in a timely manner by maintaining the communication flow between clients and specialists.
• Assist with organizing sweep appointments, advertising and post-sweep analysis.
• Support category leads and management in client valuations and collections strategy.
• Help specialist teams in creating proposals and obtaining statistics.
• Identify consignment opportunities by working with specialist teams and client strategy.
• Assist department with ad hoc projects

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelors degree required
• 2+ years of relevant professional experience required, ideally in a business support / process management role 
• A solid understanding of the art and/or luxury world, and ideally experience in an international auction house 
• Ability to communicate at all levels and partner with senior leaders for change management 
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills 
• Highly organized, detail oriented, ability to drive multiple high profile and complex projects
• Creative problem solver, energetic and persistent 
• Confident team player, capable of working well independently and as part of a busy team

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $60,000-$75,000. 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.