International Senior Specialist, Books (Books and Manuscripts)

Location: New York, United States; the role coordinates sales in New York and London, with sale series involving Paris as needed.

Base salary: $120,000–$170,000 per year, plus discretionary bonus and benefits.

Company

Sotheby’s is an international auction house and luxury marketplace established in 1744, operating across art, collectibles, jewelry, watches, wine, design, real estate, and financial services.

What you will do

• Source, estimate, research, catalogue, and coordinate Books and Manuscripts property for auctions and private sales.
• Manage New York sales and coordinate sale series with colleagues in London and Paris.
• Build running lists for live and online sales, oversee consignments, and participate in proposal and business-getting strategy.
• Draft catalogue entries, condition reports, proposals, and marketing copy, including print and digital catalogue layouts.
• Develop relationships with collectors, dealers, consignors, buyers, and institutional clients.
• Coordinate exhibitions and installations, support appraisals, negotiate sale terms, ensure compliance, and resolve post-sale issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
• At least five years of experience with an auction house or major dealer.
• Expertise in Books and Manuscripts, including managing various and single-owner sales.
• Knowledge of the auction business in the US, UK, and Europe.
• Excellent writing, communication, organization, client service, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure and meet frequent deadlines.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative work with international colleagues across New York, London, and Paris.
• Discretionary bonus eligibility.
• Competitive benefits package.
• Equal opportunity employment and compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws.