About

• ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
• Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which 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. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
• THE ROLE
• During this time of digital transformation and ambitious growth, Sotheby’s is looking for an experienced Communications professional who will identify and develop new ways to engage existing clients as well as broaden the universe of new collectors and luxury shoppers.
• The successful candidate will work closely with the lead figures in the company - including Chairmen, Heads of Departments, Specialists and the Marketing Team - to develop 360 communications campaigns to meet the needs of the business: whether in promoting the sale of specific artworks, raising the profile of Sotheby’s and its experts in the world’s media or ensuring that all public messaging about the company is in line with its strategy and values.
• The successful candidate will join a dynamic team in a busy office, where they will play an instrumental role in managing Sotheby’s interactions with a wide range of media, both digital and traditional, helping to secure positive coverage and drive forward new ideas and approaches. Ideally, they will have proven experience of managing high profile communications campaigns and a strong track-record of delivering positive, ‘on message’ coverage across a broad range of international media outlets. They will have a passion for art history and a keen understanding of the art market.
• The role calls for someone with an aptitude for writing (often to tight deadlines), a keen instinct for what makes something newsworthy, and an ability to identify and manage potentially sensitive issues. Key to the role will be an ability to think outside of the box, creating compelling PR campaigns while also positioning Sotheby’s in an interesting, consistent and creative way. Similarly, the role calls for someone who can analyse and interpret numerical data, in order to best report on auction data. As well as someone who enjoys strong relationships with key editors, writers and influencers – in the UK and further afield (ideally in Italy, the US and Asia).
• RESPONSIBLITIES
• The role will be primarily responsible for leading PR campaigns for Sotheby’s Contemporary sales in the UK, and also providing support for Contemporary sales worldwide – particularly those held in Hong Kong, New York and Milan. The role will also involve playing a key role in the campaign for key single owner sales held in the UK (and internationally – pending workflow).
• The role will be responsible for leading and executing PR campaigns for all Sotheby’s sales in Italy. This includes working closely with the local team to ensure impactful media strategies, securing profile-raising opportunities where appropriate, and keeping them informed of key news in the region.
• Work closely with Sotheby’s specialists and press office colleagues – both in London and across the globe - to devise and execute effective, creative campaigns to promote individual works, entire sales, exhibitions, new initiatives and other related activities
• Prepare compelling, clear, and well-written materials - be it press releases, pitches to journalists, internal memos, Q&A, messaging and briefing documents, texts for proposals, interview answers and other materials
• Constant interaction with journalists from a wide range of media, provision of materials (images, catalogues, texts), hosting press calls, lunches and events. Develop strong relationships with influential writers, reporters and critics
• Art market analysis: scrutinise and interpret Sotheby’s auction results for presentation to the media and internally
• Careful analysis of coverage pertaining to Sotheby’s, its competitors and the wider cultural landscape, as well as analysis of press initiatives.
• Always be on the lookout for new ideas
• Ensure regular internal communication (both with the wider global press team and with other departments) regarding sales and corporate issues to press office network and ensure delivery to appropriate audiences
• Liaise closely with Marketing and support their new initiatives with press coverage where appropriate.
• Be amenable to working beyond standard hours in order to support out-of-hours auctions and events
• IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
• 7+ years of relevant professional experience
• Outstanding communication, presentation and writing skills. An analytical eye, and a keen sense of attention to detail
• Auction, gallery, media or PR agency experience
• Demonstrable experience of delivering impactful results for high-profile clients and campaigns
• A keen interest in, and general grasp of, art history and the art market
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Ability to multi-task and be highly organized
• Ability to support colleagues in the London press office as well as the Global team, particularly offering advice to the more junior members of the team
• A strong creative streak
• Ability to devise social media strategies and marketing ideas to further broader the promotional campaign beyond traditional media
• Discretion and excellent judgement. Proactive, enthusiastic and strong team player
• Good computer literacy
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• 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.