Senior Specialist, American Art

About Bonhams

Bonhams is a global auction house with an 18th century heritage poised for transformative change. Our global operations are based in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong where we sell in over 60 categories, including motor cars, paintings, jewelry, and entertainment memorabilia.  

Our employees are passionate about their work, and we pride ourselves on a bespoke approach that aims to make every client feel important. 

Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.  

About the Role 

The Senior Specialist, American Art is a senior member of the American Art department, responsible for driving business development, securing high-value consignments, and contributing to strong auction results in American Art. Working within a national team and reporting to the Head of American Art, this role combines deep connoisseurship with strong commercial acumen. 

The Senior Specialist plays a critical role in cultivating client relationships, identifying opportunities for growth, and managing all aspects of the consignment process—from initial appraisal through sale execution—while supporting departmental strategy and market leadership.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Business Development & Client Relations

• Build and maintain a strong national network of collectors, dealers, advisors, curators, and institutions in the New England region

• Identify and secure consignments through proactive outreach, relationship management, and strategic business-getting

• Deliver auction valuations, proposals, and formal appraisals to clients with professionalism and accuracy

• Act as a primary point of contact for New England consignors and buyers, ensuring a high level of client service throughout the auction cycle

Consignment & Sale Execution

• Collaborate with the Head of American Art and specialist colleagues to evaluate property and determine estimates, reserves, and sale strategies

• Support the successful execution of sales out of Marlborough through targeted client outreach and engagement

• Participate actively in presale exhibitions and auctions, including client interaction and telephone bidding

Research, Cataloguing & Connoisseurship

• Research, authenticate, and catalogue works of American art, including paintings, sculpture, and works on paper

• Prepare and review catalogue entries, condition reports, and scholarly content with a high degree of accuracy and insight

• Ensure consistency in style, content, and quality across all sale materials

Appraisals & Valuations

• Conduct fair market, insurance, and estate appraisals for a variety of clients

• Conduct appraisals for private clients and institutional collections
• Provide expert guidance on collection development, valuation, and market trends

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Work

• Partner with internal teams including Marketing, Press, Photography, Production, and Client Development to position sales effectively

• Contribute to press materials, marketing campaigns, and targeted selling strategies
• Liaise across departments to identify cross-category opportunities and support broader business growth 

Market Engagement & Representation

• Represent the company at auctions, gallery openings, art fairs, and institutional events

• Maintain current knowledge of market trends, artists, and competitor activity

In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, you may be required to perform other duties as assigned by your manager.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Art History or related field preferred

• 5+ years of relevant experience in an auction house, gallery, art advisory firm, or institution

• Demonstrated expertise in American Art (from Colonial to Contemporary), with knowledge of New England Art strongly preferred

• Broad knowledge of European art from Old Masters to the present strongly recommended

• Proven track record of business-getting, as well as meeting and exceeding sales targets

• Established client base and strong industry relationships

Key Skills and Attributes

• Deep art historical knowledge combined with strong market awareness and commercial instincts

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences

• Strong negotiation, presentation, and client management abilities

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, results-driven approach

• High level of organization, attention to detail, and project management capability

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

• Discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment in handling confidential information

• Foreign language skills (e.g., French, German, Italian) and USPAP certification are highly advantageous

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel domestically as needed
• Flexibility to support auctions and events outside standard business hours
  

What We Offer

In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package to encourage work/life balance, including:

• Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance – HMO, EPO, PPO with FSA and HSA

• 20 days paid time off (PTO)

• 12 paid holidays and holiday break from Christmas to New Years Day

• 16 weeks fully paid parental leave (after one year) and flexible work arrangements

• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (after one year)

• Life insurance with AD&D
• Short- and long-term disability
• Tuition reimbursement

• Commuter benefits (transit and parking)

• Employee assistance program (EAP)

• Professional development: free online training and expansive content library

• Employee resource groups: social club, diversity committee, mentorship program
• Sponsored socials: annual staff art exhibition, annual summer and holiday parties, monthly birthday treats, weekly breakfast

Bonhams participates in E-Verify.

Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.