Head of Research, Impressionist & Modern Art

Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting and enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments or in one of our more operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal: to continue the success of this 250-year-old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas while upholding our shared values of Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility, and Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do, and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.

About the role

The Head of Research & Senior Writer is responsible for composing scholarly, well-researched lot essays to accompany the Impressionist & Modern works of art included in the 20th Century Evening Sale, the premier global sale platform of its kind. This role will work closely with the specialist team and wider department to ensure exceptional standards for writing, editing, proofreading, and copyediting scholarly essays alongside other client-facing materials such as proposals and bespoke catalogues. A relevant writing sample is required to apply.

Responsibilities

• Research and write compelling, scholarly essays for the Impressionist & Modern works of art in the 20th Century Evening Sale, working closely with the specialist team and other key department stakeholders to ensure smooth production and timely sign-off.
• Project manage the production and delivery of digital lot essays on Christies.com.
• Select comparative, engaging images to accompany the lot essays, partnering with the copyright team to ensure illustrations are sourced and copyright permissions cleared ahead of print and online publishing deadlines.
• Coordinate with the Creative team and Impressionist & Modern Art Specialists to edit and produce dedicated and single-owner catalogues, contributing written materials and comparatives as well as aiding in the overall design, layout, look, and feel.
• Contribute writing and research for the creation of proposals, collection dedications, and other business-getting or research documents for the Impressionist and Modern department.
• Manage collaboration with other internal and external essay writers, including hiring, training, and management of freelance writers as needed.
• Lead guided tours during pre-sale exhibitions.
• Partner with Head of Research EMEA to develop the global research strategy for Impressionist and Modern Art.
• Support the wider global research team as needed with lot essays and business-getting documents for other sale sites.
• Build key networks between external writers, scholars, and institutions and Christie’s research team.
• Develop and deliver a regular training program on topics such as writing for auction, best practices for research, and how to use Christie’s designated essay design platform and proofing system.
• Oversee the Impressionist & Modern Art library, including managing the purchasing of new books, ensuring new books are catalogued in the internal database, and monitoring its general maintenance.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree required; master’s degree in art history strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in Impressionist & Modern Art.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to multi-task, prioritize, manage, and meet multiple deadlines.
• Hard-working, energetic, and intellectually curious self-starter who can thrive in a high-pressure environment.
• Works collaboratively across multiple groups and sites.
• Remains calm in stressful situations and creatively problem-solves.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong systems expertise in Outlook and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to learn Christie’s internal systems and databases.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision care plans for employees and dependents (on average, Christie’s pays 80% of total premiums).
• 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 Child or Elder Care through Bright Horizons.
• CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Day – Each employee receives one paid day per year to dedicate their time to a charity of their choice.
• Perks and Discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits.

Pay

Salary: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 (does not include discretionary bonus compensation and overtime pay).