Cataloguer, Modern & Contemporary Art, New York

Sorry, this job was removed at 06:38 p.m. (UTC) on Monday, Oct 19, 2026
Be an Early Applicant
New York, NY, USA
In-Office
24-26 Hourly
Junior
Retail
The Role
Catalogues and researches Modern and Contemporary Art for auctions, valuations, and private sales. Responsibilities include researching provenance, authenticity, bibliography, and exhibition history; preparing catalogue notes, condition reports, marketing materials, and pricing comparables; coordinating photography and copyright clearance; liaising with art-world experts; supporting property reviews and client interactions; and cultivating collector, dealer, curator, and gallery networks.
Summary Generated by Built In

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Acting as Cataloguer in the  Modern and Contemporary Art Department in New York, this position will be responsible for assisting the Head of Sale with coordinating sales, valuations, cataloguing and researching property. 
Phillips values a workforce with a wide variety of experiences, backgrounds and skills, so we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the qualifications.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Catalogue property for auction, valuation, and private sale using auction standards.
•    Research and write catalogue notes and other marketing material where appropriate. 
•    Research property including authenticity, bibliography, provenance and exhibition history for auction, valuation, and private sale using libraries, online databases, the internet and outside experts. 
•    Proof and complete all research for cataloguing using auction standards and review with Head of Sale and/or Associate Specialists. 
•    Research and provide all relevant information using auction standards for use in marketing material, valuations and proposals. 
•    Prepare property for in-person property review meetings with Head of Sale and Associate Specialists to determine value, condition and marketability, and amend cataloguing as necessary. 
•    Prepare condition reports and review with Head of Sale and Associate Specialists where appropriate. 
•    Assist with catalogue print and digital production and layout, including photography coordination and copyright clearance for comparative images. 
•    Send cataloguing and provenance confirmation emails to specialists.
•    Liaise with galleries, foundations, estates, artist's studios, etc. on expertise.
•    Collaborate with other Cataloguers and assist as needed to support the other Modern and Contemporary Art Sales. 
•    Contribute to pricing sessions, working collaboratively with specialist colleagues. Compile relevant auction comparables for pricing meetings when needed. 
•    Attend local and regional events including gallery openings, museum events and art fairs and cultivate networks among collectors, dealers, curators and others. 
•    Assist clients via e-mail, telephone and on-site. 
•    Discuss artworks with specialists, other staff and clients. 
•    Other duties as assigned by Manager.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

•    Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with others within the business. 
•    Ability to handle confidential information discreetly and responsibly. 
•    Proactive with the strong ability to multi-task and prioritize workflow 
•    Meticulous attention to detail. 
•    In depth academic and relevant market knowledge of Modern and Contemporary Art. 
•    Ability to communicate eloquently and professionally with a wide variety of audiences using both verbal and written communication. 
•    Excellent scholarly writing skills. 
•    Excellent client-service and presentation skills including confidence, tact and diplomacy. 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING 

•    Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant art category, required. 
•    Master’s Degree or 2+ years or experience performing similar duties in an auction house, gallery or museum, preferred.
•    All Language skills in addition to English, preferred. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

•    Work is primarily undertaken in our  950 3rd Avenue office with frequent visits to our 432 Park Avenue Gallery and Long Island City warehouse. 
•    Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary. 
•    Some travel may be required. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

•    The hourly pay range for this role is $24.04-$26.44 per hour.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant art category
  • In-depth academic and relevant market knowledge of Modern and Contemporary Art
  • Excellent scholarly writing skills
  • Excellent client-service and presentation skills
  • Ability to communicate professionally with a wide variety of audiences
  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • Ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple priorities
  • Master's degree or two-plus years performing similar duties in an auction house, gallery, or museum
  • Additional language skills beyond English
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary

Similar Jobs

Liberty Mutual Insurance Logo Liberty Mutual Insurance

Business Development Director

Artificial Intelligence • Fintech • Insurance • Marketing Tech • Software • Analytics
Remote or Hybrid
9 Locations
40000 Employees
137K-257K Annually

Tapestry - Coach and Kate Spade Logo Tapestry - Coach and Kate Spade

Temporary Associate

eCommerce • Fashion • Retail • Sales • Wearables • Design
Hybrid
Riverhead, NY, USA
16000 Employees
15-24 Hourly

Tapestry - Coach and Kate Spade Logo Tapestry - Coach and Kate Spade

Supervisor I

eCommerce • Fashion • Retail • Sales • Wearables • Design
Hybrid
Riverhead, NY, USA
16000 Employees
17-28 Hourly

DraftKings Logo DraftKings

Growth Marketing Specialist

Digital Media • Gaming • Information Technology • Software • Sports • Esports • Big Data Analytics
Hybrid
New York, NY, USA
6400 Employees
90K-112K Annually
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.

The Company
HQ: New York, NY
1,335 Employees
Year Founded: 1796

What We Do

Phillips is an international auction house specializing in Modern and Contemporary Art, Photographs, Editions, Design, Jewels, and Watches. It enables clients to buy and sell through auctions and related sales channels, combining global presence, category expertise, and individualized client service. Founded in London, the company focuses on art, design, and luxury objects, serving clients in international markets.

Similar Companies Hiring

Grocery TV Thumbnail
Software • Retail • Marketing Tech • Hardware • Digital Media • AdTech
Austin, TX
56 Employees
Scotch Thumbnail
Artificial Intelligence • eCommerce • Fintech • Payments • Retail • Software • Analytics
US
35 Employees
Golden Pet Brands Thumbnail
Digital Media • eCommerce • Information Technology • Marketing Tech • Pet • Retail • Social Media
El Segundo, California
178 Employees

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account