Temporary Senior Proposals Writer

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 Proposals department, situated within the Global marketing division, encompasses new business development projects such as bespoke proposals, presentations, Invitations to Consign and other pitch materials. These projects help secure the company’s most important sale consignments, corporate ventures and creative collaborations. The team also provides a breadth of templates, resources and insights to the global salesforce, to support broader pitching and client communications.

The Senior Writer & Project Manager will be responsible for managing projects from start to finish with a high level of autonomy – attending briefs with internal clients, writing the majority of document copy, editing contributed copy, coordinating with an assigned Designer, and managing sign-off processes with our internal clients. The Senior Writer & Project Manager will also act as an editor for more junior members of the team, supporting and coaching them on their projects.

An unwavering attention to detail, rigor in execution and a proven ability to think creatively, strategically and analytically about new business pitches are fundamental to the success of this role.

This is a temporary position over a one-year contract commitment.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Plan, write and manage production of compelling, persuasive and highly-bespoke proposal documents and pitch materials to tight deadlines – working closely with client teams, colleagues across marketing, creative and press divisions, and Manager/HoD. 

• Work on further Marketing, Business Development and Client Development project proposals and materials as required. 

• Collaborate closely with an assigned Designer on each respective project – selecting a base template, agreeing creative approach, production schedules and design work required. 

• Research clients and contexts to tailor proposal content accordingly for each respective target consignment. 

• Coordinate with a breadth of other departments as required to collate information and content required for each respective project, editing text supplied by other departments when required. 

• Develop and nurture positive relationships with senior business-getters and colleagues across the marketing division. Maintain a thorough ongoing knowledge of their business goals, customer priorities, and competitive environment and in turn, help them to understand and embrace new business pitching approaches, moving from a regional to a global mindset. 

• Provide advice and support to colleagues in the global salesforce working on their own proposals and pitches. 

• Keep abreast of Sotheby’s and market developments, and help maintain, update and improve team systems and resource libraries (core text, media quotes, images, etc.). 

• Identify gaps in research and market information, and opportunities for innovation. 

• Assist with proof-reading of other documents produced by colleagues. 

• Support other global team members on urgent projects when necessary. 

• Help maintain, update and improve base content used regularly in multiple proposals. 

• Coordinate translation of project documents where necessary. 

• Comfortable working flexibly, including outside core hours, to meet business deadlines. 

• Bachelor's Degree preferred 

• 5+ years' experience as a writer in a professional capacity 

• An interest in history, the arts and luxury industries and/or previous editorial experience in one of these industries preferred 

• Excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills 

• A creative eye for page layouts, desktop publishing and design 

• Solution-oriented with strong process and project management skills 

• A balance of strategic, analytical and creative thinking 

• An unwavering attention to detail  

• Ability to collaborate in a team environment as well as work independently 

• Able to prioritize in complex, fast-paced environment while working on a number of different and varied projects at one time to tight deadlines 

• Highly motivated, organized, proactive, enthusiastic and resourceful 

• Proficient use of InDesign and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint 

• Native written fluency in English essential; other languages would be beneficial but not essential