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
Sotheby’s is seeking a Writer & Researcher to join its Sports team in New York. This full-time role will support the research, writing and fact-checking of content across the department, with a particular focus on the information presented within Sports auction lots.
The successful candidate will be a strong writer and researcher with excellent attention to detail and an interest in sports, storytelling and sports memorabilia. A key part of the role will be researching the history and context behind individual lots and turning that information into clear, engaging copy that helps communicate why the property is important to collectors.
Working closely with the Sports team, this person will learn Sotheby’s cataloguing standards, editorial voice and research processes and take on increasing responsibility for writing, research and catalogue production over time.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research and write catalogue content for Sports property, including catalogue notes, property descriptions, provenance and authentication information, condition reports and other client-facing lot content.
- Develop the story around individual lots by researching the players, games, performances, milestones and historical context that help explain the significance and appeal of the property.
- Conduct detailed research using appropriate internal and external sources and maintain accurate supporting information for catalogue content.
- Fact-check and proofread catalogue and editorial content, verifying key details and flagging inconsistencies or areas requiring further research.
- Inspect property and prepare condition reports, working with Specialists and other members of the team where needed.
- Support broader Sports content including sale and lot overview pages, editorial features, press materials, website content and social copy.
- Work within established cataloguing, research and fact-checking processes and provide feedback to ensure work meets Sotheby’s standards.
- Work closely with Specialists and colleagues across Editorial, Marketing, Press, Social, Photography and other support departments to meet catalogue and publication deadlines.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
- Minimum 1 year of professional experience in writing, research, editing, journalism or a related field.
- Strong writing and research skills demonstrated through professional, internship, academic, journalistic or comparable experience.
- Excellent written English and the ability to turn research into clear, engaging and concise copy.
- Strong attention to detail and an interest in fact-checking and accuracy.
- Good editorial judgment and an instinct for identifying the details that make a story or object interesting.
- Ability to learn and consistently apply an established tone, style and cataloguing process.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
- Strong interest in sports, sports history or sports memorabilia.
- Experience in writing, journalism, publishing, editorial, research, sports media, sports memorabilia or collectibles preferred.
- Auction house, cataloguing or research experience helpful but not required.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience
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.
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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.
Skills Required
- Minimum 1 year of professional experience in writing, research, editing, journalism, or a related field
- Strong writing and research skills demonstrated through professional, internship, academic, journalistic, or comparable experience
- Excellent written English
- Ability to turn research into clear, engaging, and concise copy
- Strong attention to detail and interest in fact-checking and accuracy
- Good editorial judgment and ability to identify compelling details
- Ability to learn and consistently apply established tone, style, and cataloguing processes
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines
- Strong interest in sports, sports history, or sports memorabilia
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience
- Experience in writing, journalism, publishing, editorial, research, sports media, sports memorabilia, or collectibles
- Auction house, cataloguing, or research experience
Sotheby's Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Sotheby's and has not been reviewed or approved by Sotheby's.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as broad, spanning medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, and company-paid life insurance. Mental health benefits and disability coverage are also included as part of the package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support includes a 401(k) plan with company matching. Additional financial supports such as flexible spending accounts and an employee stock purchase plan are also referenced.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off policies are characterized as generous, including paid time off, paid holidays, and sick days. Paid parental leave and family-related supports are also included in the overall offering.
Sotheby's Insights
What We Do
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare 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 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.
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