Department Assistant, LA

Job Description

Sotheby's is seeking a dedicated and client-focused Department Assistant for its Los Angeles Flagship. This role involves delivering a bespoke client experience, working with valuable property, and providing general support to the Head of the LA office. The ideal candidate will have previous experience in a high-volume client service, art, luxury, or hospitality-driven industry and possess strong communication and IT skills.Responsibilities:

• Opening/closing the gallery daily and maintaining its upkeep.
• Updating listings, managing sold items, and processing transactions.
• Offering a premier experience for clients and visitors.
• Providing general support, including answering phones, filing, and ordering supplies.
• Liaising with operations and expert departments.
• Handling shipping arrangements, inventory, and office transfers.
• Supporting senior staff with expenses, meetings, and travel arrangements.
• Managing calendars and coordinating activities.
• Responsible for pre and post-sale paperwork for clients.
• Assisting at on and off-site events.
• Assisting with appraisals and valuations.
• Performing preliminary research for estimate requests.
• Processing sales and shipments from the Marketplace/Buy Now platform

Requirements:

• Previous experience in a high-volume client service, art, luxury, or hospitality-driven industry preferred.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and efficiently meet constant deadlines.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problematic situations on a regular basis.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including excellent phone manner and proven client service skills.
• Strong IT processing skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, SAP and database knowledge).
• Discreet, dependable, and mature with a warm and client-focused temperament.
• Available and flexible to work evenings and weekends.
• Enthusiasm about art and willingness to broaden knowledge.
• Team player with a positive working rapport with colleagues.
• General knowledge of art history and the art market preferred.
• Foreign language(s) a plus.

Sotheby's offers:

• Opportunity to work in a premier art and luxury destination.
• Exposure to a global network of specialists.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment.