Specialist, Popular Culture

Job Description

Sotheby's is seeking a Specialist to join their Popular Culture department. This role primarily involves sourcing, estimating, and cataloging property for auction and private sales. The Specialist will collaborate with the Vice Chairman to develop sales and client strategies, manage costs and revenues, and nurture key client relationships. This is a key role in expanding the Popular Culture department, focusing on Music, Film, Posters, Animation, and Comics.

Responsibilities:

• Drive new business and consignments for auction, private sales, and marketplace
• Run proposal strategy meetings for business negotiations
• Negotiate sale terms and explain auction processes to clients
• Provide expertise, research, and catalog objects
• Ensure proper cataloging, research, and estimation of sale consignments
• Continue to develop new client relationships
• Writing catalogue essays, detailed footnotes and conduct picture research

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• 8+ years of experience in research and cataloguing of Popular Culture
• Deep knowledge of the auction business and/or retail trade
• Areas of interest including but not limited to; vintage film posters, concert posters, certified awards, autographs, film & TV props, celebrity associated musical instruments, vintage studio equipment, stage worn fashion, film costume & accessories, rock & pop photography, rare records, lyric sheets, personal letters, manuscripts and ephemera, animation cels, rare comic books, and original comic art.
• Excellent research, writing and organizational skills

Sotheby's offers:

• Discretionary bonus
• Competitive benefits package