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About the Role

The Associate Specialist in the Modern and Contemporary Art Department will support Heads of Sale and Specialists in overseeing and managing Core sales through valuations, cataloguing, and research. This role involves business development, cultivating new relationships with buyers and sellers, and acting as Head of Sale annually. Phillips values a diverse workforce and encourages applications from candidates with varied experiences.

Responsibilities

Assist with cataloging and researching property for Modern & Contemporary Art Core sales using auction standards.
Prepare enhanced lot content and other marketing material.
Proof all cataloguing and review with Head of Sale as needed.
Visit warehouse to oversee and perform cataloguing, and organize property review meetings to assess value, condition, and marketability.
Prepare and approve condition reports.
Coordinate with relevant departments during the production of marketing material, valuations, and proposals.
Perform initial valuations and contribute to pricing sessions for potential sales, collaborating with Specialists to set estimates and sales terms.
Compile relevant auction comparables for pricing meetings.
Prepare marketing proposals in collaboration with and review by Head of Sale.
Take primary responsibility for the retention and tracking of all pricing relevant to the sale to build institutional knowledge and a repository of objects.
Approve all images and object videos for Core sale lots.
Organize lot layout for Modern & Contemporary Art Core sales.
Work with Sale Manager on exhibition layout and liaise with departments including Operations and Marketing.
Head at least one sale per year, including pricing and allocating works, reviewing and approving cataloguing and condition reports, approving images and videos, organizing lot layout, managing sale outreach, and identifying leads.
Manage and source consignments from the MCA Consignment Inbox.
Build and actively manage a book of clients to source consignments.
Identify new buyers and contribute bids to Modern and Contemporary Art sales worldwide.
Participate actively in all presale exhibitions, focusing on face-to-face client contact.
Liaise with Client Strategy and Specialists to target buyers and create specialized selling plans.
Attend local and regional events and cultivate networks among collectors, dealers, curators, and others.
Onboard new cataloguers to the department.
Encourage teamwork, collaboration, and productivity.
Perform other duties as assigned by Manager.

Requirements

In-depth academic and market knowledge of modern and contemporary art.
Ability to communicate eloquently and professionally with a wide variety of audiences using both verbal and written communication.
Excellent essay / academic writing skills.
Excellent client-relations and presentation skills including confidence, tact and diplomacy.
Driven self-starter with a proven ability to initiate and gain business.
Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with all other areas within the business.
Ability to handle confidential information discreetly and responsibly.
Proactive with excellent time management and organisation skills.
Ability to multi-task and prioritise.
Meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to remain calm under pressure while delivering a high standard of work on tight deadlines.

Skills

Modern and contemporary art knowledge
Verbal communication
Written communication
Essay writing
Academic writing
Client relations
Presentation skills
Business development
Collaboration
Confidentiality
Time management
Organization
Multi-tasking
Prioritization
Attention to detail
Working under pressure
Working to deadlines
Cataloguing
Research
Valuations
Pricing
Marketing proposal preparation
Image and video approval
Lot layout organization
Exhibition layout
Client outreach
Lead identification
Consignment sourcing
Client book management
Bidding
Presale exhibition participation
Networking
Teamwork
Onboarding

Location

New York

Work Type

Office environment
Travel to warehouse
Evening work
Weekend work
Some travel required

Experience Level

3+ years of experience performing similar duties in an auction house or internationally recognized gallery or museum
A minimum of 4 years’ solid experience working as a cataloguer within an auction house

Education Level

Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant art category
Master’s Degree, preferred

Salary/Compensations

$60,000-70,000

About the Company

Phillips values a workforce with a wide variety of experiences, backgrounds and skills.