Specialist

At Freeman's | Hindman we believe that people are enriched and energized when they are surrounded with objects of significance and meaning. Freeman's | Hindman 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 160 auctions each year for everything from contemporary paintings and fine jewelry to French furniture and rare books. With salerooms and business offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, DC, Denver, Detroit, Miami, Milwaukee, Naples, New York,

Palm Beach, Philadelphia, Richmond, San Diego, Scottsdale, and St. Louis we stay locally relevant while passionately catering to our global sellers and buyers.

Specialists exhibit passion for and deep knowledge in their area of expertise, with the ability to speak from an informed position about the identification, dating and value of works of art within the category. Should be comfortable, as well, researching and writing scholarly essays and articles about items in sales. Specialists focus on building long-term client relationships with private collectors, institutions, and industry contacts, with the goal of securing consignments for auction to meet and exceed annual sales goals. Specialists passionately support Freeman's | Hindman brand in daily interactions with clients and Freeman's | Hindman team members. Models the five principles of the client interaction guidelines and reinforces their importance by providing timely feedback. Something should be added about the need to research and be able to write scholarly articles.

Key responsibilities:

• Act as a key point of contact for client inquiries regarding appraisal services, consignments, and auction services, explaining the auction process relating to Decorative Arts

• Proactively develop new opportunities to grow transaction volume on both the consignment and buyer sides of the department

• Assess potential consignments and create listings complete with description, dating and value

• Research and catalogue property for auction; assign auction estimates; may evaluate property for IRS (estate tax, gift tax, donation, etc.) and insurance appraisals

• Work with other Freeman's | Hindman departments to reach new consignors and ensuring seamless client service

• Work with other Freeman's | Hindman Specialists to promote auctions by helping clients at auction previews; conferring with clients about properties; developing, tracking and communicating client interest in lots; and executing bids at auction

• Given the global nature of our business, may work outside of normal business hours or across departments (e.g., with Accounting or Operations) to assist clients with particular needs.

• Cultivate past buyers; visit shows and fairs

• Meet with potential clients both in and out of the office

• Determine whether properties are suitable for auction

• Determine what auction is appropriate for a given property and inform appropriate team members accordingly

• Catalogue property, noting descriptions, measurements, and estimates

• Serve as head of sale (project manager), arrange order of lots for auctions; select lots to be photographed

• Work with Head of Department to sell the sale and reaching potential buyers

• Prepare and execute condition reports (including photographs where required); communicate with clients via phone or email

• Review bids and interest lists

• Work with other specialists and Head of Department on post-sale plans regarding un-solds, closing out consignments, and communicating with consignors with unexpected results

• Review invoices post-sale and add buyers to interest categories and comp lists when appropriate

• Other duties as assigned

Successful candidate will possess:

• Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art, Art History, or Arts Management, or equivalent, preferred\

• 5-7 years of direct, hands-on experience in a specific area of expertise in the auction or gallery setting

• Deep knowledge in Decorative Arts, including values

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Able to initiate new business and provide superior client service

• Strong administrative and organizational skills; detail-oriented

• Strong team orientation; works well in team environment

• Ability to meet strict deadlines in fast-paced environment

• Foreign language skill preferred

Freeman's | Hindman is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on identity- race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.