--- title: 'Executive Assistant at Sotheby''s' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/executive-assistant-sotheby-s-new-york-wxztb65hr1sk' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-12' --- # Executive Assistant at Sotheby's - **Company:** Sotheby's - **Location:** New York, NY - **Posted:** 2026-09-23 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-12 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sothebys/jobs/6206574004 ## Job description ## ABOUT SOTHEBY'S Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories 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 through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City. ## THE ROLE We are looking for a highly motivated, proactive and productive Executive Assistant with impeccable organizational skills to provide mature, discreet, professional assistance. As the Executive Assistant, you will be responsible for providing full business and administrative support to two Vice Chairmen of Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s New York. ## RESPONSIBILITIES Provide daily support for the two Vice Chairmen who are particularly focused on Contemporary Art. Help manage their responsibilities with regard to relationship management, business getting; sales; and special projects in an efficient and organized way. Administrative responsibilities include: - Drafting emails and correspondence; preparing reports and presentations, and all other written communication as needed - Prompt and effective calendar management, including scheduling internal and external meetings and events, often coordinating with colleagues in international offices across different time zones, and resolving conflicts in a timely fashion - Meeting preparation, including agenda planning; organizing materials, reports, and presentation decks; tracking attendance; coordinating audio visuals; preparing catering; and performing follow-up actions - Acting as liaison with all levels of staff globally, including Chairmen and specialists - Booking travel and preparing all necessary documentation, including detailed itineraries - Preparing expense reports and submitting them in a timely fashion - Answering office phone, taking and delivering messages, and checking voicemail box - Partnering with other Executive Assistants to provide coverage where needed and offering assistance for traveling Chairmen when they are in New York - Acting as the “eyes and ears” for the Vice Chairmen and ensuring they are informed of key art fairs, events, news, internal updates and initiatives, upcoming auctions and sale results - Adoption and ongoing management of key corporate tools and systems including CRM, SAP, Client Canvas, Concur, Tableau, Valuation System, Jira, and Workvivo for Chairmen’s clients and activities Consignment and sale-related responsibilities include: - Responsible for consignment management for Vice Chairman’s clients, providing estimates, contracts, property condition reporting, coordinating pickups, and confirming reserves, in conjunction with Chairman’s Client Liaison and specialist departments as needed - Entering information in the Valuation System for client appraisals and working with specialist departments to confirm cataloguing and values - Various ad-hoc research projects for sourcing and selling - Accountable for ensuring a smooth and satisfying post-sale experience for Chairman’s clients, frequently liaising with Post-Sale Services on invoicing, payments, shipping, collection, and hand-carrying property - Work weekends and long hours during marquee sales; and for all sales assist with sale outreach, bid registration, telephone bidding, catalogue mailing, ticket requests, and assembling supplementary materials for clients Relationship Management Responsibilities - Assist and support Client Liaison and Client Strategist with strategy and collection management for priority clients - Greet clients in the lobby for important viewings and meetings, and independently manage client viewings and gallery walkthroughs when Vice Chairmen are busy ## IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES - Bachelor’s Degree required, with a preference for some studies in art history - 2+ years of professional experience in an Executive Assistant role, or role with similar responsibilities - An awareness and interest in art, the art market, and auction houses - Excellent writing and communication skills - Strong multi-tasking and prioritization skills - A fastidious attention to detail, accuracy and organization - Adept at handling sensitive and confidential information in a professional manner, maintaining discretion at all times - Able to maintain composure under pressure - Skillful ability to interact in a professional, mature and collaborative style with key constituents - Ability to show good judgement and represent the Sotheby’s brand and core competencies - Excellent interpersonal skills and an enthusiastic client service attitude - Excellent analytical skills with experience in drafting reports and presentations - Strong experience in Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint - Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends when necessary The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $55,000 - $60,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the US, please [click here](https://www.sothebys.com/en/docs/pdf/candidate-privacy-notice.pdf). To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the UK, Hong Kong, France and Switzerland, please [click here](https://www.sothebys.com/en/docs/pdf/final-v1-sothebys-recruitment-privacy-notice-uk-hk-france-and-switzerland-31-january-2022.pdf?locale=en). 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. ## About Sotheby's ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury, providing access to exceptional objects through auctions, private sales, and e-commerce. - **Entity Type**: Private (acquired by Patrick Drahi in 2019) - **Headquarters**: New York City, USA (global headquarters at the Breuer building, 945 Madison Avenue) with a network spanning 40 countries - **Founded**: 1744 - **Founders**: Samuel Baker (first auction under his name on 11 March 1744) ## Core Business - Primary industry: Fine art and luxury auction house, art marketplace, and art-related financial services. - Target customers: Collectors, art enthusiasts, institutions, and luxury consumers (B2C and B2B). - Mission/purpose: “Promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects” and believes in the transformative power of art and culture, committed to inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration. ## Products & Services - **Auctions**: Live and hybrid digital auctions across 70 categories including Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, Design, collectible cars (via RM Sotheby’s), and real estate (via Concierge Auctions). - **Private Sales**: Direct, confidential sales for clients seeking discretion. - **BuyNow Marketplace**: E-commerce platform for immediate purchase of art and luxury items. - **Sotheby’s Financial Services**: Art lending and capital solutions; has originated more than $12 billion in loans since inception. - **Sotheby’s Advisory**: Strategic advisory for collectors and institutions. - **Sotheby’s Institute**: Educational programs on art business and connoisseurship. ## Market Standing - **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed (privately held). - **Key Metric**: Annual worldwide sales turnover in excess of $7 billion (as of recent reports). - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Owned by Patrick Drahi (media and telecom entrepreneur). No other major external investors disclosed. - **Growth Signals**: First auction house to successfully shift to hybrid digital auction format during the pandemic; pioneered AI and scientific research in-house; expanded to 40 countries with 80 offices; continues to innovate with mobile and web experiences. ## Competitive Advantages - **Heritage & Trust**: Oldest and largest internationally recognised fine art auction house (since 1744). - **Global Reach**: Network of specialists in 40 countries and 80 offices covering 70 categories. - **Innovation Track Record**: First to hold auctions in Asia (1973), first to use satellite bidding (1960s), first to sell a work for over $100 million (2004), and early adopter of e-commerce (2000) and AI (2018). - **Integrated Services**: Only full-service art financing company (Sotheby’s Financial Services) combined with auctions, private sales, and retail. ## Strategic Focus - Digital transformation and hybrid auction formats to capture online sales growth. - Expansion into new luxury categories (e.g., collectible cars, real estate) and geographies (e.g., China). - Deepening client relationships through data-driven insights and personalized experiences. - Commitment to diversity, equity, and sustainability as core values. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Entrepreneurial, client-first, passionate, and innovative. Values include “dream big, challenge the status quo, relentlessly pursue innovation.” - **Diversity & Inclusion**: Strong commitment to equality and diverse backgrounds; endorsed by senior management. - **Benefits**: Competitive compensation, health/dental/vision insurance, fertility and growing family support, 401(k) with company match, paid parental leave, gym reimbursement, education assistance, and access to world-class art museums and galleries. - **Work Environment**: Hybrid/remote options available for some roles (e.g., Payroll Manager listed as New York/Remote). Offices in major cities globally. - **Growth**: Internal mobility encouraged; opportunities for cross-functional exposure through Internship, Associates, and Mobility programs. ## Sources 1. [sothebys.com](https://www.sothebys.com/en/about) – About Us page (company description, mission, values) 2. [sothebys.com](https://www.sothebys.com/en/about/careers) – Careers page (benefits, values, social impact) 3. [sothebys.com](https://www.sothebys.com/en/about/our-history) – History page (founding, key milestones, acquisition by Drahi, sales turnover) 4. [greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sothebys/jobs/5988535004) – Job listing page (global headquarters location, financial services stats, office locations) 5. [sothebys.com](https://www.sothebys.com/en/) – Homepage (overview of categories and services) ## Other roles at Sotheby's - [International Senior Specialist, Books](https://feeny.ai/job/international-senior-specialist-books-sotheby-s-new-york-j35mckxk6835) — New York, NY - [Business Operations Manager, Sales Development](https://feeny.ai/job/business-operations-manager-sales-development-sotheby-s-new-york-5ezx16ksz1jt) — New York, NY - [AVP, Senior Manager, Facilities](https://feeny.ai/job/avp-senior-manager-facilities-sotheby-s-new-york-5zxsgcx45mem) — New York, NY - [Product Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/product-manager-sotheby-s-new-york-h59909394622) — New York, NY - [VP, Product Management](https://feeny.ai/job/vp-product-management-sotheby-s-london-94ct2bypmy3p) — London, United Kingdom - [Associate Cataloguer, Books and Manuscripts](https://feeny.ai/job/associate-cataloguer-books-and-manuscripts-sotheby-s-new-york-2xpsds2y7se8) — New York, NY - [Compensation & Analytics Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/compensation-analytics-manager-sotheby-s-new-york-t3d4p9y7dgmp) — New York, NY - [2027 Summer Intern Program (New York)](https://feeny.ai/job/2027-summer-intern-program-new-york-sotheby-s-new-york-92bvhkjdn7c6) — New York, NY - [Boutique Manager, Dubai](https://feeny.ai/job/boutique-manager-dubai-sotheby-s-dubai-bj7trb7c59nv) — Dubai, United Arab Emirates - [VP, Fixed Price Strategy & Business Operations, Global Luxury](https://feeny.ai/job/vp-fixed-price-strategy-business-operations-global-luxury-sotheby-s-dubai-vnq56q51sn0h) — Dubai, United Arab Emirates / London / Zürich, Switzerland