Department Coordinator, Post-War and Contemporary Art
About the Company
Being part of the Christie’s team is an enriching experience. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Departments or in our more operational-focused roles, we are all working together with one common goal: to continue the success of this 250-year-old company, steeped in history, while bringing constant innovation and upholding our age-old values. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do, and it is constantly inspiring to work with industry leaders across all segments of the business.
About the Role
Supporting both the Chairman, Post-War & Contemporary Art and Vice Chairman, 20th and 21st Century Art, this role is instrumental in client communication, overseeing top-priority consignments, and interacting with global stakeholders. Success in the role relies on the ability to build strong working relationships across a broad network of colleagues and clients. The ideal candidate should excel in multitasking and organization, as well as be collaborative, proactive, and able to establish credibility both internally and externally.
Responsibilities
- Liaise between senior business getters and clients to obtain necessary information for sales agreements (both auction and private sales); consolidate for deal review and approval.
- Manage the consignment process from start to finish, including drafting paperwork, arranging timely shipment of works, obtaining and disseminating information to relevant sale teams, and addressing any issues.
- Keep clients informed of all stages of the sales process, including property collection, updates to contracts and/or estimates, charges, sale results, and settlements.
- Manage appraisals by liaising between clients, specialists, and the Estates, Appraisals & Valuations department.
- Provide support in creating proposals and pitches, including gathering item details and images.
- Respond to client inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
- Support senior business getters in client relations, ensuring they are invited to relevant events and receive catalogues.
- Organize client viewings and coordinate between Specialists, Operations, and Client Services teams to ensure an exceptional client experience.
- Meet and greet clients when required.
- Ensure clients receive information on upcoming lots and access to lots prior to auctions.
- Following auctions, ensure clients receive invoices promptly and coordinate outgoing shipments as needed.
- Answer incoming phone calls, addressing basic business questions in a polite and professional manner.
- Organize and book travel, create travel schedules, and obtain necessary approvals.
- Complete and submit expense reports in a timely manner.
- Support with calendar management, appointment reminders, meetings, and conference calls.
- Compose and edit correspondence, and manage specialists’ inboxes.
- Register bids with the Bids Department in advance of auctions.
- Work closely, efficiently, and effectively with other specialist departments, including international and regional offices, support departments, external organizations, individuals, and institutions.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the manager.
Requirements
- Exceptional client service skills, including strong verbal and written communication.
- Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated with superiors, clients, and peers.
- Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
- Ability to work collaboratively across multiple groups and sites.
- Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
- Ability to creatively problem-solve.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong knowledge of Excel and Outlook; knowledge of COS and JDE is a plus.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision care plans for employees and dependents (Christie’s pays 80% of total premiums on average).
- 401(k) Savings Plan – Christie’s provides a matching contribution up to 5% (subject to IRS limits).
- Life Insurance – 3x base salary (100% paid by Christie’s).
- Disability Insurance (100% paid by Christie’s).
- Generous time-off and leave policies, including 100% Paid Family Leave up to 16 weeks.
- Fitness Reimbursement Program: reimbursement of eligible fitness fees and memberships up to $600 per year.
- Annual Discretionary Performance Bonus Plan.
- Commuter Benefits – Pre-tax money towards your daily commute with a Christie’s contribution of $21 per month.
- Back-Up Child & Elder Care – up to 10 days of back-up care through Bright Horizons.
- CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Day – one paid day per year to dedicate to a charity of your choice.
- Perks and Discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits.
Pay
Salary: $55,000.00 - $57,000.00 (does not include discretionary bonus compensation and overtime pay).