Specialist, Books and Manuscripts
Christie's
New York, New York
Full-Time
$600
OfficeSenior
Specialist, Books and Manuscripts
The Company
Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & 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 in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do, and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.
How You'll Make an Impact
Specialist Expertise and Sales Execution
Contribute to the curation of relevant property across selling platforms.
Ensure all property entered for sale meets company standards related to provenance and condition reports.
Support the delivery of the department’s sales strategy e.g. participates in pre- and post-sale debriefs and exhibitions.
Provide subject matter expertise on pricing, valuations, cataloguing, researching etc.
Maintain and continually update own specialist knowledge in order to build credibility in specialist area.
Broaden knowledge of other Business Groups in order to identify and develop cross-selling opportunities.
Write catalogue descriptions of property for sale, both physical descriptions and lot essays.
Play a significant role in hilling sessions (i.e. the vetting and valuation of top-level property).
Work with other Business Group specialists on business getting and consignments in all stages of the sale.
Share own expertise for development of junior colleagues.
Additional responsibilities as requested by manager.
Client Relationship Management and Business Development
Develop and nurture a network of clients and contacts to convert for sales.
Spend dedicated effort to develop a trusted advisor relationship with each client.
Work collaboratively with specialists, business getters and commercial experts on developing and implementing successful sales and buying strategies.
Look for new ways to expand client relationships.
Ensure client information databases are up to date and that the information is used to full effect.
Continually build an understanding of the current market and key players (buyers and sellers).
Ensure that new business opportunities are acted on and followed through.
Enhance own expertise through new business development
Participate in Telephone Bidding with clients during the auction.
Commercial Delivery
Participate in deal making and ensure the right people are involved and fully briefed
Oversee the successful completion/close of deals.
Maintain pipeline for relevant category of expertise, both for auction and private sale
Enhancing Christie's Brand
Acts as a representative of Christie’s and builds alliances and networks of key influencers in the market.
Applies specialist expertise (e.g. writing articles, lecturing etc.) to maintain and grow Christie’s presence in the market, grow market share and create competitive advantage.
What you’ll bring to the team
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of 6 years work experience in specialist field
International cultural awareness
Familiarity with Latin and proficiency in a second western language
Attention to detail
Ability to work within a dynamic international team
Commercial and business awareness and ability to market to a sophisticated audience
Demonstrated ability in appraising property and business-getting with high level clients
Demonstrated sales expertise, transactional capability, and keen negotiating skills
Excellent communications skills and interpersonal skills
Exceptional client service skills
Strong organizational skills with an ability to work to tight deadlines
Research skills including analysis and interpretation of data
Project management skills
What’s great about working for us
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
Christie’s, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Christie’s Inc. ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.
Closing Date: August 7th, 2026
*Posted salary range is inclusive of potential variable compensation.