Head Of Communications, Americas

Head of Communications, Americas

The Company

Christie's, the world's largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments or in our more Operational focused teams we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing constant innovation whilst not forgetting our age old values; Passionate Expertise, Exceptional Client Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Business Judgement & Innovation. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is constantly inspiring to work with industry leaders across all segments of the business.

The Role

The Head of Communications, Americas will oversee and strengthen communications activities across the Americas at the world's leading art business. Reporting jointly to the President of the Americas, Bonnie Brennan, and Global Head of Communications, Natasha Le Bel, this role will manage key aspects of the company's executive and corporate communications programs, partnering with marketing and content on all owned and earned channels. The communications leader will manage a four-person communications team, plus freelancers, an agency, and interns, and will be part of the Americas leadership team.

The challenge and opportunity in this industry is the slow, but steady, commoditization of the auction business. Christie's seeks to further develop its brand and reputation by using its resources (its people and knowledge) as true differentiators in the market, with an eye towards both increasing market share but also growing the pie, by bringing in more new (and likely younger) clients.

The ideal candidate in this role is comfortable with managing multiple short- and long-term initiatives at the same time, and navigating within a fast-moving environment that often requires an immediate response. Strong critical thinking skills, issues management expertise, quick assimilation of complex issues, and proven media handling skills are mandatory. Demonstrated understanding of newsworthy issues and developments within the global art market required.

Specific duties & responsibilities will include but are not limited to

• MEDIA RELATIONS: The Head of Communications, Americas, is responsible for Christie's presence in the media for this essential market, ensuring a steady and consistent flow of external communications about the company's business activities to key target audiences and stakeholders within the Americas and beyond. This individual oversees communications strategy and flow of announcements for the region, balancing the communication needs of numerous internal stakeholder groups and varied timelines from immediate to long-term. This includes the strategic planning and execution of publicity campaigns to promote Christie's sale activities. S/he must be able to communicate complex information in a way that is digestible to stakeholders and find ways to increases Christie's positive brand awareness. Our ideal candidate will identify and develop new and/or non-traditional approaches to promote the Christie's brand and sales activates through earned media.

• EXECUTIVE VISIBILITY: There is an opportunity and an appetite to increase several executive's visibility and positions as thought leaders within the industry and beyond. This person would lead executive communications, develop and execute strategies to identify opportunities for these executives, highlight unique talent, and increase awareness with new audiences. We expect this person to anticipate and develop communications plans that will build competitive advantages for the executives.

• ISSUES MANAGEMENT: This person will lead the communications strategy around key industry topics including restitution, cultural property, sustainability, compliance and regulatory issues. Our ideal candidate will anticipate and mitigate adverse or potentially negative issues that may impact Christie's reputation. S/he will coordinate with regional leaders and the Legal department on issues management and crisis communications plans and where needed provide counsel to senior leaders in the event of a crisis.

• FINANCIAL COMMUNICATIONS: The communications leader will work closely with the Global Head of Communications and other regional communications leads to develop and implement financial and performance communications, including biannual press reports, Client communications (regular) and other strategic priority projects.

• BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGNS: We are looking for a confident and credible leader who can attend new business pitches to secure high-profile pieces or collections. This person will work with internal groups and with clients to plan and execute bespoke media and communications campaigns which strategically align with and support Christie's global marketing initiatives.

The Candidate

• A minimum of 15 years of proven success in corporate communications or equivalent roles of increasing responsibility, preferably within the auction/art market or a closely related industry.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and writing skills, strong project management skills, and a collaborative, team-oriented approach required.

• Strong network of journalist contacts across multiple media sectors required.

• Must enjoy working in a fast-paced, creative environment with multiple projects at once.

• Demonstrable experience in dealing with urgent communications scenarios required; this role requires a high level of professionalism along with quick-thinking and processing skills.

• Familiarity with analytics/measurement best practices and ability to learn Christie's proprietary systems required.

• INDUSTRY EXPERTISE: Christie's is powered by a culture steeped in creativity, passion and innovation, and its employees share a love of art. Having this passion is integral to the success and credibility of this person. This person will be seen as an expert in navigating the crossroads of the art world and communications. They should have deep understanding of the communications environment in this space, especially as relates to industry trends in the art market and auction world. Experience leading communications strategies around key sales and/or lots is ideal.

• LEADERSHIP: As Christie's continues to evolve, it is paramount that the Head of Communications, Americas possesses the stature, gravitas, and confidence to quickly establish credibility as a trusted partner with other senior leaders. As part of the leadership team, this person will need to have intellectual curiosity and exceptional business acumen.

• TEAM MANAGEMENT: This person must possess the instincts of a strong leader, with experience mentoring, developing, and motivating staff members. Part of this role will be setting challenging and productive goals for the Americas PR team, while also keeping the team accountable for them. S/he will partner with leadership to ensure staff members are being challenged, and are engaged with work that motivates and inspires them. The team leader must be smart, dedicated, and creative, with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

• COLLABORATION: This person will work in collaboration with PR colleagues in Europe and Asia to support global campaigns and sale-related activities. In addition, they will work closely with the creative, content, and marketing teams regionally. The ability to build and maintain strong relationships internally is imperative in the success of this person. This includes being a team player capable of working with peers and leaders across Christie's, with the goal of collaboratively developing integrated programs.

The Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision care plans for employees and dependents (On average, Christie's pays 80% of total premiums)

• 401(k) Savings Plan

• Christie's provides a matching contribution up to 5% (subject to IRS limits)

• Life Insurance

• 3x base salary (100% paid by Christie's)

• Disability Insurance (100% paid by Christie's)

• Generous time-off and leave policies; including 100% Paid Family Leave up to 16 weeks.

• Fitness Reimbursement Program: reimbursement of eligible fitness fees and memberships up to $600 per year

• Annual Discretionary Performance Bonus Plan

• Commuter Benefits

• Pre-tax money towards your daily commute with a Christie's contribution of $21 per month

• Back Up Child & Elder Care - up to 10 days of back-up Child or Elder Care through Bright Horizons

• CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Day- Each employee receives one paid day per year to dedicate their time to a charity of their choice.

• Perks and Discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits

Christie's, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Christie's Inc. ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.

• Posted salary range does not include discretionary bonus compensation and overtime pay.

Compensation Range

Salary: $200,000.00 - $250,000.00