Senior Specialist, Old Masters and 19th Century European Art

Description

This position will either be based in Chicago, Philadelphia, or New York.

Company Culture

At Freeman’s we believe that people are enriched and energized when they are surrounded with objects of significance and meaning. Freeman’s is one of the leading and fastest growing fine art auction houses in the U.S. Our values are evident in how we approach the marketplace, providing unmatched service, a focus on excellence, and holding the utmost respect for our clients and the items we steward. As a globally recognized brand, we conduct over 100 auctions each year for everything from contemporary paintings and fine jewelry to French furniture and rare books. With six salerooms in Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, New York, Palm Beach, and Philadelphia, we stay locally relevant while passionately catering to our global sellers and buyers.

Position Summary

In this role, the Senior Specialist will grow Freeman's business in Old Masters and 19th Century European Art as well as the Fine Art department generally by building long-term client relationships with private collectors, institutions, and industry contacts, as well as meeting and exceeding annual sales goals set for the Department. As a Senior Specialist you will be expected to focus on work to fill our bi-annual Old Masters and 19th Century European Art auctions. The ideal candidate will also be instrumental in landing important consignments for other Fine Art sales including Post War & Contemporary, American Art & Pennsylvania Impressionists, Impressionist & Modern Art, Western & Contemporary Native American Art, and Prints & Multiples.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate new consignments by developing relationships with national accounts, large consignors, and major business targets for the department.
• Proactively develop new opportunities to grow and maintain the volume of transactions with top dealers, institutions, and private collectors.
• Travel to regional offices to support Business Development efforts, and to evaluate and consign property for upcoming sales.
• Collaborate with other departments and with the Trusts, Estates, and Private Client group (TEPC) to develop strategies to reach new potential consignors and ensure seamless client service.
• Responsible for work associated with the evaluation of property for the department for auction, researching authenticity, provenance and reviewing client inquiries to determine sale potential.
• Research and catalogue property for auction with the goal of assigning secondary market estimates, also valuing property for IRS (estate tax, gift tax, donation, etc.) and insurance appraisals.
• Work with other Specialists to promote the auction by helping clients at auction previews, speaking to clients about the property, developing, tracking and communicating client interest and executing bids at auction.
• Act as a point of contact for client inquiries regarding appraisal services, consignments and auctions.
• Manage, train, and assist with the education of Specialists, Associate Specialists, Cataloguers, and Department Coordinators as necessary.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art, Art History, or Arts Management; advanced degree a plus.
• 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in assigned area of specialty.

Skills

• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong client service orientation with professionalism and discretion.
• Detail-oriented with excellent follow-up, multitasking, and time management abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word and Excel).
• Able to thrive in fast-paced environments, work under pressure, and meet strict deadlines.
• Highly motivated and eager to contribute to a dynamic team.

Values

• Excellence: Setting the standard in auction and appraisal services through expertise and meticulous attention to detail.
• Integrity: Upholding honesty and transparency in all interactions with clients, partners, and colleagues.
• Judgment: Incorporating experience, empathy, and integrity to always deliver client centric decisions and actions that uphold our brand.
• Collaboration: Working together with our team and clients to achieve shared goals and exceed expectations.
• Responsiveness: Delivering timely and tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of every client.

What We Offer

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Choose from Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision & Dental Plans (PPO & HDHP options available).
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• 11 Paid Holidays – Enjoy 11 company-paid holidays throughout the year.
• Extended Holiday Office Closure.
• Up to 12 Weeks of Fully Paid Parental Leave.
• Company-Paid Short Disability Insurance.
• Company-Paid Group Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

Physical Needs

• Perform light physical tasks, including lifting and moving items such as boxes, files, and other materials up to 20 pounds, unless otherwise specified.
• Operate standard office equipment proficiently, including phones, computers, copiers, and other commonly used devices or software applications.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal teams and external contacts; sufficient hearing is required for routine interactions.
• Understand and accurately process written materials and documentation.
• Work efficiently in a traditional office environment, including extended periods of sitting, with the flexibility to adapt to various work settings as needed.