Junior Sports Writer

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. The firm’s expertise spans 70 selling categories, including Contemporary, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, Design, collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s Financial Services provides capital solutions for collectors, having originated more than $12 billion in loans. The new global headquarters is located in the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue, New York City.

About the role

Sotheby’s is seeking a Writer & Researcher to join its Sports team in New York. This full‑time position supports research, writing, and fact‑checking of content across the department, focusing on Sports auction lots. The role involves developing engaging copy that explains the significance of each lot, learning Sotheby’s cataloguing standards and editorial voice, and taking on increasing responsibility for writing, research, and catalogue production.

Responsibilities

• Research and write catalogue content for Sports property, including notes, descriptions, provenance, authentication information, condition reports, and other client‑facing lot content.
• Develop the story around individual lots by researching players, games, performances, milestones, and historical context.
• Conduct detailed research using internal and external sources and maintain accurate supporting information for catalogue content.
• Fact‑check and proofread catalogue and editorial content, verifying key details and flagging inconsistencies.
• Inspect property and prepare condition reports, collaborating with Specialists and team members as needed.
• Support broader Sports content such as sale and lot overview pages, editorial features, press materials, website content, and social copy.
• Work within established cataloguing, research, and fact‑checking processes, providing feedback to ensure work meets Sotheby’s standards.
• Collaborate with Specialists and colleagues across Editorial, Marketing, Press, Social, Photography, and other support departments to meet catalogue and publication deadlines.

Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of professional experience in writing, research, editing, journalism, or a related field.
• Strong writing and research skills demonstrated through professional, internship, academic, journalistic, or comparable experience.
• Excellent written English and ability to turn research into clear, engaging, concise copy.
• Strong attention to detail and interest in fact‑checking and accuracy.
• Good editorial judgment and instinct for identifying compelling details.
• Ability to learn and consistently apply an established tone, style, and cataloguing process.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Strong interest in sports, sports history, or sports memorabilia.
• Experience in writing, journalism, publishing, editorial, research, sports media, sports memorabilia, or collectibles preferred.
• Auction house, cataloguing, or research experience helpful but not required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience.

Pay

The proposed base salary ranges from $55,000 – $60,000. Successful candidates are also eligible to receive a discretionary bonus and a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

• Discretionary bonus
• Competitive benefits package