Specialist, Sports, Trading Cards & Modern Collectibles

About Sotheby's

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Synonymous with innovation, Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions, private sales and retail locations. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by 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.

THE ROLE

Sotheby’s Modern Collectibles and Sports Memorabilia Department is seeking a Card Specialist to join our dynamic team, focusing on helping drive the growth of our position in the global sports memorabilia market, with a particular focus on developing online collectibles sales. You will have specialist knowledge and experience in vintage and rare sports cards, be an independent, self-starter, tasked with building a network of potential and current trade and private clients to accelerate the growth of our business.

The Specialist will: provide clients with pricing; negotiate profitable sales, meet P&L plan and margin targets across the business. Reporting to the Head of Streetwear and Modern Collectables as well as the Global Head of Fashion, he or she will negotiate deals, inspect and catalogue sports cards, provide advice to buyers both for collecting and investing, direct and attend sports card events and provide general organization and administration on all levels.

Responsibilities

• Perform property inspection of memorabilia at Sotheby’s and on-site at client’s premises (as needed)
• Provide a high level of customer service to all clients
• Responsible for selling sports memorabilia to clients via telephone, email, in-person and at events
• Participate in the development of marketing content including tailored offers and content for email, website, and social media campaigns
• Project manage Collectibles projects from inception to execution, tracking each detail to completion
• Events creation/management/participation to include client development and entertaining
• Cross-selling the business to all Sotheby’s clients
• Maintain accurate records of warehouse inventory
• Securing profitable consignments for auction, direct acquisition opportunities through retail, marketplace, meeting individual revenue targets and helping the team meet annual plan
• Provide advice to buyers across both auction & retail

Ideal Experience & Competencies

• Proficient in MS Word, Excel
• Understand and demonstrate a “no compromise” attitude towards luxury: protecting the Sotheby’s Modern Collectibles brand vision and brand equity while achieving short term sales goals
• Strong ability to network and convert social connections into business opportunities
• Experience in developing clientele over time and nurturing relationships with an existing client network
• Exceptional knowledge of vintage and rare sports cards relevant to the auction & retail market
• Travel may be required
• Professional, discreet and commercial client service skills
• High level of attention to detail is a must
• Experience networking and selling to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals
• Fluent in both writing and speaking English
• Self-starter with an ability to make commercial decisions independently

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $70,000-$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.

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