Senior Proposals Writer & Project Manager

THE ROLE

This is an opportunity to join a dynamic, collaborative team working at the heart of the auction business. Sotheby’s Proposals team works with business development leaders to produce highly-polished, compelling, business-winning pitch documents for our highest-priority consignment opportunities across the full breadth of Sotheby’s sale categories, from Fine Art, to Jewelry, Wine and more.

You are an expert writer and communicator who understands how to synthesize complex messages into clear and persuasive prose and can easily navigate between qualitative and quantitative arguments. You are a quick learner and a critical thinker who loves to iterate and innovate. You thrive in a fast-paced environment as a result of your impeccable project management skills, ability to build relationships with key stakeholders, attention to detail and nimble approach.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage overall development and production of business-winning sales proposals, pitch materials, and market reports
• Work closely with senior business getters, specialists, business managers and marketing managers to develop pitch strategy, establish competitive differentiators and clearly articulate sale and marketing plans
• Synthesize key messages into a cohesive and compelling written document
• Collaborate closely with an assigned Designer and Market Analyst & Researcher on each respective project  to establish project requirements/priorities and execute within deadlines
• Manage multi-stage draft review process among deal team members
• Coordinate and oversee all aspects of proposal production and delivery, including scheduling, researching, writing, editing, proofreading, designing, publishing and shipping the Proposal
• Manage and complete multiple projects efficiently under time-sensitive deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Research clients and contexts to tailor proposal content accordingly for each respective target consignment.
• Coordinate with a breadth of other departments as required to collate information and content required for each respective project, editing text supplied by other departments when required.
• Develop and nurture positive relationships with senior business-getters and colleagues across the marketing division. Maintain a thorough ongoing knowledge of their business goals, customer priorities, and competitive environment and in turn, help them to understand and embrace new business pitching approaches, moving from a regional to a global mindset.
• Provide advice and support to colleagues in the global salesforce working on their own proposals and pitches.
• Keep abreast of Sotheby’s and market developments, and help maintain, update and improve team systems and resource libraries (core text, media quotes, images, etc.).
• Identify gaps in research and market information, and opportunities for innovation.
• Assist with proofreading of other documents produced by colleagues.
• Support other global team members on urgent projects when necessary.
• Help maintain, update and improve base content used regularly in multiple proposals.
• Coordinate translation of project documents where necessary.
• Be flexible around working hours – prepared to work late to achieve deadlines.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s Degree required, ideally in relevant area of study/interest
• 5+ years of relevant experience as a writer in a professional capacity (journalism, publishing, advertising, consulting)
• An interest in history, the arts and luxury industries and/or previous copywriting experience in one of these industries preferred
• A creative eye for page layouts, desktop publishing and design
• A balance of strategic, analytical and creative thinking
• An unwavering attention to detail and uncompromising excellent standards willing to constantly strive for improvement
• Excellent writing, editing and communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills; can confidently lead meetings and build relationships with key collaborators
• Ability to produce high quality work under tight deadlines
• Highly motivated, proactive, organized and resourceful
• Solutions-oriented with strong process and project management skills
• Ability to prioritize in complex, fast-paced environment while managing a high-pressured team and working on a number of different and varied projects at one time to tight deadlines
• Proficient use of InDesign and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint
• An understanding of the auction industry and a strong interest in the art market are highly advantageous
• Native written fluency in English essential, with other languages a plus

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $80,000-$100,000. 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.