Junior Specialist
Overview: The primary role of the Junior Specialist is to support the Head of Department to contribute to the overall success of the department. Provide assistance with all aspects of catalogue, exhibition, and sale production, preparation, research and promotion for the department throughout the year by processing the consigned objects and works of art for sale, including research and catalogue entry writing and proofing; coordination of photography, and varying duties as dictated by department size and frequency of sales. Specific duties will include but may not be limited to:
- Work closely with the Head of Department to learn the cataloguing system and processes in order to develop fluency for catalogue descriptions, terminology, dating, styles, makers, estimates, etc.
- Catalogue, value, and inventory property consigned using libraries, on-line databases, and outside experts (such as curators, dealers, publishers, etc.) in complete and proofed Freeman’s format.
- Meet with clients on- and off-site to support property evaluation, consignment and sale efforts.
- Assist in researching the property’s provenance and exhibition history.
- Draft catalogue essays and content for digital marketing campaigns.
- Assist in proofing catalogue entries before submitting final proof to Catalogue Production.
- Assist in the preparation and management of condition reports.
- Flag any authenticity concerns and condition issues in timely manner to appropriate specialist.
- Assist with production of sale related materials where needed.
- Assist with exhibition set-up and breakdown.
- Coordinate photography, restoration, copyright approval.
- Assist with telephone or online bidding during Auctions.
- Other duties as assigned by Manager.
Skills and Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a fine or decorative arts category required. Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum 2 years paid experience in decorative arts or appraising preferred.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Ability to learn proprietary auction software.
- Ability to process large volumes of property, keep them organized throughout the sale process and be ready to report any issues that may arise regarding the work to the Head of Department or Operation Manager.
- Packing, unpacking, tagging, and data entry of shipments.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize.
- Strong follow-up skills with attention to detail.
Working Conditions:
- Primarily working in an office setting, but will include working in a warehouse environment and may include working in various offsite client locations.
Physical and Other Requirements:
- Required to handle, inspect and take photographs of works of art for appraisal or consignment.
- Ability to handle fragile objects.
- Ability to occasionally lift or move large objects or furniture up to 50 pounds.
- Frequent movement between our office, saleroom and warehouse locations within Philadelphia.
- Occasional travel to satellite locations.
- Required to attend various industry and/or sale related events, exhibitions, and/or art fairs locally and in NYC.
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