Client Liaison

THE ROLE:

The Bids & Client Services Department is the first and most highly visible contributor to the client experience at Sotheby’s worldwide headquarters. We are seeking a poised and professional Client Liaison to join our front of house team at Sotheby’s Madison Avenue HQ in New York City. As the first point of contact for clients, visitors, and guests, the Client Liaison plays a vital role in upholding the Sotheby’s standard of excellence, ensuring a welcoming and seamless experience from the moment they enter the building.

 

This is a full time position working 40 hrs per week Wednesday through Sunday

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Greet and direct clients, visitors, and staff with warmth, professionalism and discretion.
• Manage incoming calls, emails, and general inquiries, providing information or directing them appropriately.
• Assist clients with general inquiries through the possession of thorough and current knowledge of the Company’s international sale and exhibition calendars, special events, departments, personnel and their building locations; names and titles of Sotheby’s senior management and executive officers.
• Maintain fluid operation of Sotheby’s front of house spaces ensuring they reflect Sotheby’s brand and client experience standards.
• Coordinate visitor access, including security protocols and visitor registration.
• Remain flexible to support client-facing activities across other Sotheby’s New York Spaces (York Avenue and Gantry Point locations) as needed by providing reception services and logistical assistance.
• Support New York auctions by processing and executing in-person paddle and bid registrations, operating Sotheby's online bidding platform, and providing back-office support where needed.
• Accountable to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Company’s domestic and international auction process to effectively communicate with existing and potential clients.
• Support administrative tasks for the team inclusive of organizing auction calendar invites, coordinating office supply orders, updating daily reference materials and reports.
• Responsible for exhibition-related activities including: the timely opening and closing of galleries; knowledge of department experts, sale highlights and lot locations; creation of new client accounts
• Coordinate with Specialist and Non-Specialist departments to ensure that clients’ needs are met
• Proactively address client concerns and issues as appropriate and take ownership of solving the clients’ issue
• Contribute to new Client Experience initiatives and trainings as directed by manager
• Participate in ad hoc projects as needed
• Must adhere to required front of house attire during all working hours
• Must be available to work onsite, with a projected schedule of Wednesday through Sunday. Available to work early mornings, evenings, and other days of the week as necessary.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Superior interpersonal and communication skills with a pleasant client service-oriented attitude
• Proven experience employing problem solving skills when dealing with internal and external clients
• Team player with a positive working rapport with colleagues
• Calm demeanor with an ability to multi-task in a high traffic environment
• Process driven, logical thinker
• Strong comfort with Microsoft Office & Google Suite - prior experience with SAP, Salesforce, Freshdesk, Client Databases, or other Sotheby’s systems is preferable
• General knowledge of art history and art market preferred
• Previous experience in a client service driven industry
• Foreign language(s) a plus

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $45,000-$50,000. 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.