Business Operations Coordinator

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

The Business Operations Coordinator position provides dual support to the Business Operations team and the Contemporary Art department. This hybrid role supports departmental business operations and cross-functional initiatives, with a focus on Contemporary Art valuations, pipeline activities, and sale preparation. The coordinator ensures operational excellence, smooth communication, and consistent documentation across global teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES
I. Contemporary Art: Valuations, Collections & Sales

Valuations Coordination

• Assist with intake, routing, tracking, and organization of Contemporary valuations (FMV, Estate, Insurance, Retail Replacement, SFS).
• Coordinate with specialists, gather necessary details, and help resolve basic valuation queries.
• Prepare agendas for weekly valuations meetings; capture updates and distribute follow-ups.
• Support pricing sessions by preparing materials and recording decisions.

Sourcing & Pipeline Tracking

• Track sourcing leads, follow-up tasks, and key information across internal systems.
• Maintain updated pipeline visuals for leadership and specialist teams.
• Support proactive sourcing efforts by gathering inputs from NY specialists and global colleagues.

Sale Preparation & Execution

• Create and update internal sales duty pages and prepare materials for global selling calls.
• Assist with lot targeting workflows in partnership with Sale Heads, Client Development, and Business Intelligence teams.
• Help coordinate evening sale lot captains and maintain accurate summaries throughout the sale cycle.
• Prepare internal visual summaries and one-sheet information for upcoming sales.

Sale Week Support

• Maintain and update interest lists for evening sales
• Attend interest debriefs and update internal tracking tools.
• Provide interest updates to PR/Comms prior to sales.
• Assist with bidder placement maps, seating logistics, and phone bidding coordination.

Post-Sale

• Update internal records by integrating post-sale bidder activity into department interest trackers.
• Assist in preparing post-sale summaries for internal teams.

II. Business Operations

Department Support & Administration

• Provide day-to-day operational and administrative support to department leadership and global teams.
• Attend department and cross-functional meetings, take notes, track action items, and ensure timely follow-ups.
• Handle incoming enquiries from staff; resolving or raising to the appropriate team member

Project & Workflow Coordination

• Assist in large-scale, cross-department, and global initiatives across Fine Arts.
• Coordinate workflows, track deliverables, and help ensure deadlines are met across teams and time zones.
• Support the implementation and maintenance of department tools, platforms, and operational systems including Client Canvas, Tableau, Valuations System, Objects Vault, Workvivo, and others.

Communications & Materials

• Prepare summaries and distribute updates from leadership and departmental meetings.
• Maintain shared knowledge resources, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
• Act as a liaison between the department and other internal teams.

Events & Logistics

• Support planning and execution of department events, workshops, and offsites.
• Coordinate logistics across internal partners (Events, Marketing, Business Management, Client Development).

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in business operations, arts administration, or a related field.
• 1-2+ years of professional experience in a role involving coordination, problem solving, and prioritization in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with Contemporary Art, art markets, or fine art valuation concepts is a plus but not required.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and project coordination skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and ownership.
• Ability to work across global teams, time zones, and stakeholder groups.
• A proactive, collaborative, and problem-solving mindset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, workflow platforms, CRM systems, and spreadsheets.
• Professional discretion and comfort handling sensitive information.
• Adept at handling sensitive and confidential information in a professional manner, maintaining discretion at all times.
• Skillful ability to interact in a professional, mature and collaborative style.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends when necessary.
• Ability to show good judgement and represent the Sotheby's brand and core competencies.

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.


To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the US, please click here

To view our Candidate Privacy Notice for the UK, Hong Kong, France and Switzerland, please click here

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.