ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which 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. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
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THE ROLE
During this time of digital transformation and ambitious growth, Sotheby’s is looking for an experienced Communications professional who will identify and develop new ways to engage existing clients as well as broaden the universe of new collectors and luxury shoppers.
The successful candidate will work closely with the lead figures in the company - including Chairmen, Heads of Departments and the Marketing Team - to develop 360 communications campaigns to meet the needs of the business: whether in promoting the sale of specific artworks, raising the profile of Sotheby’s and its experts in the world’s media or ensuring that all public messaging about the company is in line with its strategy and values.
The successful candidate will join a dynamic team in a busy office, where they will play an instrumental role in managing Sotheby’s interactions with a wide range of media, both digital and traditional, helping to secure positive coverage and drive forward new ideas and approaches. Ideally, they will have proven experience of managing high profile communications campaigns and a strong track-record of delivering positive, ‘on message’ coverage across a broad range of international media outlets. They will have a passion for art history and a keen understanding of the art market.
The role calls for someone with an aptitude for writing (often to tight deadlines), a keen instinct for what makes something newsworthy, and an ability to identify and manage potentially sensitive issues. Key to the role will be an ability to work collaboratively with Sotheby’s specialist teams in order to ensure Sotheby’s is presented in an interesting, consistent and creative way. Similarly, the role calls for someone who can analyse and interpret numerical data, in order to best report on auction data. As well as someonewho enjoys strong relationships with key editors, writers and influencers.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work closely with Sotheby’s specialists and press office colleagues – both in London and across the globe - to devise and execute effective, creative campaigns to promote individual works, entire sales, exhibitions, new initiatives and other related activities
- Prepare written materials - be it press releases, pitches to journalists, internal memos, messaging and briefing documents, texts for proposals, interview answers and other materials
- Constant interaction with journalists from a wide range of media, provision of materials (images, catalogues, texts), hosting press calls, lunches and events. Develop strong relationships with influential writers and critics
- Art market analysis: scrutinise and interpret Sotheby’s auction results for presentation to the media.
- Careful analysis of coverage pertaining to Sotheby’s, its competitors and the wider cultural landscape, as well as analysis of press initiatives. Always be on the lookout for new ideas
- Ensure regular internal communication (both with the wider global press team and with other departments) regarding sales and corporate issues to press office network and ensure delivery to appropriate audiences
- Liaise closely with Marketing, and support their new initiatives with press coverage where appropriate.
- Be amenable to working beyond standard hours in order to support out-of-hours auctions and events
- The role would cover sale categories including Old Masters, Books & Manuscripts, Islamic, and Russian Art, as well as key single owner sales, and more generally Sotheby’s exhibitions and auctions in the Middle East.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- 7+ years of relevant professional experience
- Outstanding communication, presentation and writing skills. An analytical eye, and a keen sense of attention to detail
- Newspaper, magazine or PR agency experience
- Demonstrable experience of delivering impactful results for high-profile clients and campaigns
- A keen interest in, and general grasp of, art history and the art market
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
- A strong creative streak
- Ability to devise and implement social media strategies to further enhance our exposure in this ever growing medium
- Discretion and excellent judgement. Proactive, enthusiastic and strong team player
- Good computer literacy
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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.