VP, Head of Proposals

THE ROLE

Sotheby’s Proposals Department is a specialized team within the Global Marketing Division that plays a critical role in securing the company’s highest-value consignments. The department operates at the nexus of business development and marketing, helping the sales force articulate winning strategies for business getting, and creating bespoke and effective proposals and presentation materials for potential consignors who are considering selling art and other items of great value. The department also provides a breadth of templates, resources and insights to the global sales force to support broader pitching and client communications.

The Head of Proposals, Americas, partners closely with Senior Specialists, Chairmen, and other business-development officers throughout the business-getting cycle, developing strategies tailored to the specific needs of high-value collectors and fiduciaries. The Head of Proposals leads cross-functional meetings at the kick-off for all major projects, develops strategies and action plans in alignment with the business leads, and closely monitors the progress of each proposal through the pitch with clients. S/he must have strong communication and leadership skills, excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, the gravitas to make executive decisions when needed, and a steady and diplomatic demeanor under pressure.

Reporting to the Co-WW Head of Marketing, the Head of Proposals leads a New York-based team of talented writers, project managers and designers, ensuring excellence against tight deadlines, driving creative innovation, analyzing results and seeking feedback to ensure a cycle of continual improvement. S/he is a mentor to each member of the team, reviewing the work of writers and designers, providing guidance, and nurturing leadership skills. S/he is responsible for the timely completion of all projects, and ensures that they create the best possible impression on our clients. The Head of Proposals collaborates closely with several peers within the division, especially the Director of Marketing Strategy for Global Fine Art, the Director of Creative Services, and the Head of Digital Marketing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and nurture positive relationships with senior business-getters and colleagues in New York and other Sotheby’s locations in North America. 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.
• Meet regularly with the General Managers in the specialist departments and the Heads of Business Development and Consignment Management to track business opportunities and develop a project pipeline.
• Establish briefing, assignment and workflow processes.
• Manage a team of writers, project managers, designers and a data analyst. Assist and managing workloads, ensuring deadlines are met and work is of the highest possible standard. Define and direct team strategy. Manage departmental budget.
• Directly manage selected proposal projects when required due to capacity, importance or confidentiality.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across the Marketing Division, especially the Director for Marketing and Strategy, GFA; Director of Creative Services; and Director of Digital Marketing. Confer regularly with the Head of Business Development Support, in London, and collaborate on trans-Atlantic proposals.
• Monitor broader developments in Proposals/Bids industry to stay at the forefront – conducting research, attending conferences and connecting with suppliers.
• Keep abreast of market data, media coverage and general developments at Sotheby’s and in the broader art market, in order to keep proposals fresh, relevant and compelling.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 7+ years as a manager or director in a directly relevant industry.
• Ability to supervise a creative team in both print and digital realms.
• Solutions-oriented with strong process and project management skills
• Excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills, as well as strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment as well as to work independently.
• Able to prioritize in complex, fast-paced environment while managing a high-pressured team.
• Highly motivated, organized, proactive, enthusiastic and resourceful.
• Proficient use of InDesign and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word and PowerPoint