About Sotheby's

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories 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 through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

THE ROLE

This is an opportunity to join a dynamic, collaborative team working at the heart of the auction business. Sotheby’s Proposals team works with business development leaders to produce highly-polished, compelling, business-winning pitch documents for our highest-priority consignment opportunities across the full breadth of Sotheby’s sale categories, from Fine Art, to Jewelry, Wine and more.

You are an expert writer and communicator who understands how to synthesize complex messages into clear and persuasive prose and can easily navigate between qualitative and quantitative arguments. You are a quick learner and a critical thinker who loves to iterate and innovate. You thrive in a fast-paced environment as a result of your impeccable project management skills, ability to build relationships with key stakeholders, attention to detail and nimble approach.

Responsibilities

Manage overall development and production of business-winning sales proposals, pitch materials, and market reports
Work closely with senior business getters, specialists, business managers and marketing managers to develop pitch strategy, establish competitive differentiators and clearly articulate sale and marketing plans
Synthesize key messages into a cohesive and compelling written document
Collaborate closely with an assigned Designer and Market Analyst & Researcher on each respective project to establish project requirements/priorities and execute within deadlines
Manage multi-stage draft review process among deal team members
Coordinate and oversee all aspects of proposal production and delivery, including scheduling, researching, writing, editing, proofreading, designing, publishing and shipping the Proposal
Manage and complete multiple projects efficiently under time-sensitive deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Research clients and contexts to tailor proposal content accordingly for each respective target consignment.
Coordinate with a breadth of other departments as required to collate information and content required for each respective project, editing text supplied by other departments when required.
Develop and nurture positive relationships with senior business-getters and colleagues across the marketing division. 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, moving from a regional to a global mindset.
Provide advice and support to colleagues in the global salesforce working on their own proposals and pitches.
Keep abreast of Sotheby’s and market developments, and help maintain, update and improve team systems and resource libraries (core text, media quotes, images, etc.).
Identify gaps in research and market information, and opportunities for innovation.
Assist with proofreading of other documents produced by colleagues.
Support other global team members on urgent projects when necessary.
Help maintain, update and improve base content used regularly in multiple proposals.
Coordinate translation of project documents where necessary.
Be flexible around working hours – prepared to work late to achieve deadlines.

Ideal Experience & Competencies

Bachelor’s Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest
5+ years of relevant experience as a writer in a professional capacity (journalism, publishing, advertising, consulting)
An interest in history, the arts and luxury industries and/or previous copywriting experience in one of these industries preferred
A creative eye for page layouts, desktop publishing and design
A balance of strategic, analytical and creative thinking
An unwavering attention to detail and uncompromising excellent standards willing to constantly strive for improvement
Excellent writing, editing and communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills
Demonstrated leadership and project management skills; can confidently lead meetings and build relationships with key collaborators
Ability to produce high quality work under tight deadlines
Highly motivated, proactive, organized and resourceful
Solutions-oriented with strong process and project management skills
Ability to prioritize in complex, fast-paced environment while managing a high-pressured team and working on a number of different and varied projects at one time to tight deadlines
Proficient use of InDesign and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint
An understanding of the auction industry and a strong interest in the art market are highly advantageous
Native written fluency in English essential, with other languages a plus

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $80,000-$100,000. 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.

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