The posting
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
- The Client Services team is the first and most highly visible contributor to the client experience at Sotheby's worldwide headquarters. It is the responsibility of the team to support a seamless client experience across Sotheby's front of house spaces and to set the tone for the highest standard of client service throughout the organization.
- The Exhibition Staff are the first point of contact for clients visiting Sothey’s galleries, available to liaise with clients and specialists, relay high level information on the exhibition and bidders registration process as requested, and ensure all clients visiting Sotheby’s galleries receive exceptional service.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as Brand Ambassador for the Company, portraying a warm, hospitable feeling for both current and prospective clients
- Facilitate and support a premier in-person experience across all front of house spaces at Sotheby’s galleries, including the Lobby Desk, Coat Check and Exhibition Floors
- Direct visitor flow by executing timed-entry or event check-in, managing visitor queues, and monitoring elevator access, as needed
- Assist clients with general inquiries through the possession of thorough and current knowledge of the Company’s international sale and exhibition calendars, special events, departments, personnel and their building locations, including names and titles of Sotheby’s senior management and executive officers
- Coordinate with Specialist and Non-Specialist departments to ensure that a client’s needs are met
- Responsible for exhibition and sale-related activities, including: knowledge of department specialists, sale highlights and lot locations; maintenance of existing accounts and creation of new client accounts; facilitating bid registrations
- Accountable to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Company’s domestic and international auction process to effectively communicate with existing and potential clients
- Participate in ad hoc projects, as needed
- Must adhere to required front of house attire at all times during working hours
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Superior interpersonal and communication skills with a pleasant client service-oriented attitude
- Proven experience employing problem solving skills; highly resourceful
- Team player with a positive working rapport with colleagues
- Calm demeanor with an ability to deliver in time-sensitive scenarios
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and poise
- Previous experience in a client service, luxury or hospitality-driven industry
- Forward thinking and tech savvy
- General knowledge of art history and art market preferred
- Foreign language(s) a plus
- Must be available to work weekends and evenings as necessary during the duration of the assignment
The expected hourly rate for this position ranges from $18.00/hour. Employees in this role may be expected to work overtime, and will receive additional pay at the applicable overtime rate. In addition to hourly wages and overtime, successful candidates will be eligible for benefits as required by law. Our 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.
