Bonhams/New York, NY
Specialist – American Art (New York)
Bonhams is an international auction house specializing in the appraisal and sale of fine art, fine and rare books and manuscripts, fine jewelry, antiques, fine wine, motor cars and all types of collectibles. Our US galleries and salesrooms are located in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City.
We seek a motivated and organized individual for our Fine Arts department in New York. This position will entail assisting in the pricing, consignment, appraisals and inquiries (by way of mail, email and phone) of American Art under the departmental direction of Kayla Carlsen/Director of American Art. Developing business by sourcing consignments for sale; coordinating with the American Art team in meeting financial targets for designated sales throughout the year; providing cataloging for all sales in New York; provide written appraisals for
Fair Market, Insurance and Selection for Sale.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include but are not limited to:
SALES
• Source property from private collectors, museums and dealers including items valued in cooperation with colleagues in other departments and locations.
• Determine what property may be appropriate for the major sales and specific intermediate sales; review estimates of other specialists. Advise on the optimum sale location and timing of sale to client.
• Catalog all property for American Art sales in New York as well as American works being sent to California as needed.
• Participate in the exhibition of these sales in New York; and San Francisco and Los Angeles as needed.
• Assist buyers with examination of property prior to sales, providing condition reports, comparable price results, and offering expert opinions on any items in sale.
• Ensure that major past buyers and collectors are aware of upcoming sales, have received catalogues and that works of particular interest for them are noted.
• After sale: make informed decisions on items to be re-offered and revise estimates accordingly. Decide which pieces to return to owner and relay these decisions directly.
• Handle all post-sale offers and forward these, with recommendation to clients. Continue to negotiate such deals to a conclusion in a timely manner.
APPRAISALS
• Render auction estimates (by way of email, mail and phone) for our clients in collaboration with specialist team.
• Travel and conduct off-site appraisal clinics as requested with the intention of finding and securing property for future sales.
• Perform insurance and estate tax appraisals for a variety of clientele as requested utilizing your expertise and research. Liaise with colleagues to ensure the best professional advice to client.
CUSTOMER SERVICE/CLIENT DEVELOPMENT
• Maintain friendly and cooperative relationships with the local collectors and dealers.
• Maintain and expand the scope of buyers and individuals with a special interest as designated.
• Respond to requests and questions from clients and follow these through to their satisfactory resolution.
• Maintain internal relationships with all internal departments.
• Regular calls to clients, contacts and dealers.
• Research and/or develop relationships with the top collectors in the field.
• Visit galleries, attend shows and events.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to: Those assigned by supervisor and participation in auction day activities as needed. Continue to implement and improve department and corporate “best practices”.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Advanced degree in appropriate discipline or related field.
• 6 – 10 years with increasing responsibility in an art gallery, museum or auction house with appraisal ability.
• Knowledge of and/or relationships with established collectors of specialty area.
• Well-organized, team player with good problem solving ability and administrative skills.
• PC proficiency and customer relations skills required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as much as 40% of the time.
This is a full time position with benefits, including paid time off, holiday pay, medical, dental, vision, short & long term disability, life and ADD insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and 401k plan with a company match.
Please send your cover letter, resume and cover letter and salary requirements with reference "Specialist-American Art - NY" in the subject line. Only those cover letters which include salary requirements will be considered.
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