Christie's Department Coordinator

About Christie's

Founded in London in 1766 by James Christie, Christie’s is a leading international auction house whose heritage spans fine art, decorative arts, jewellery and exceptional collectibles. Through auctions, private sales and digital platforms, it connects collectors with remarkable objects and the expertise that brings their histories to life. As an employer, Christie’s offers career paths across specialist departments, client services, marketing, technology and operations within a global, culturally rich environment. Its work calls for intellectual curiosity, discretion and meticulous attention to detail, appealing to professionals who value scholarship, commercial acumen and the exacting standards of the international art and luxury markets.

The Department Coordinator provides administrative and client-relationship support to Gooding Christie’s specialists and management and helps run the Santa Monica office throughout the auction cycle, from preparation through post-sale reporting. The role includes auction and event travel, extended or non-traditional hours during auction periods, and use of Salesforce, Microsoft Office and Christie’s internal systems.

Role & Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day administrative support to Gooding Christie’s specialists, management and other departments as needed.
• Manage scheduling for client and internal meetings, and arrange travel as needed.
• Support client relationships by coordinating meetings and mailings, handling correspondence, and tracking follow-up actions.
• Answer and screen incoming calls and serve as a primary operator for the Santa Monica office phone line.
• Monitor and respond to shared departmental inboxes, including Reception and Info.
• Welcome and assist clients and other visitors to the Santa Monica office.
• Work efficiently and collaboratively with Gooding Christie’s and Christie’s teams, including international and regional offices.
• Support appraisals by liaising with clients, specialists and internal departments, and gathering vehicle information, images and supporting materials.
• Support proposals and pitches by gathering vehicle details, images and other relevant information.
• Enter and maintain client, opportunity and other relevant information in Salesforce and Christie’s systems.
• Create and maintain lot boards and auction-tracking tools, ensuring consignment information is accurate and current.
• Coordinate catalogue and other departmental shipping requests.
• Create purchase orders and sundry invoices as required.
• Manage courier requests, incoming and outgoing mail, and U.S.-based PO boxes.
• Reconcile corporate card expenses and submit them for approval using internal systems.
• Troubleshoot office setup and equipment issues, coordinating with the appropriate internal teams as needed.
• Submit requirements for new staff setup.
• Maintain departmental, office and kitchen supplies, and proactively reorder as needed.
• Coordinate departmental meetings, lunches, hospitality and other office needs.
• Support holiday gifts, cards and other departmental client initiatives.
• Support auction preparation, including organizing, packing and tracking office equipment and other materials needed to operate the on-site auction office.
• Travel to Gooding Christie’s U.S. auctions and events as required, assisting with setup, organization and breakdown of the on-site office.
• Coordinate daily package shipments, deliveries and auction-related mail logistics, including PO Box collections as required.
• Serve as a point of contact for the main office phone line during auctions, ensuring inquiries are answered and routed efficiently.
• Coordinate meals, catering, deliveries and other administrative logistics for specialists and staff during auction periods.
• After auctions, accurately enter and update final sale prices and other relevant transaction information in Salesforce.
• Update buyer and specialist assignments, underbidder information and other post-sale client and transaction data in Salesforce.
• Assist with post-sale reporting and reconciliation.
• Become proficient in Gooding Christie’s and Christie’s internal systems and support the accuracy and integrity of departmental data.
• Perform other duties and departmental projects as assigned by the Business Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent work experience.
• Prior administrative, coordinator, client-service or office experience preferred.
• Exceptional client-service skills, including strong verbal and written communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills when working with senior management, clients and colleagues.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple groups, offices and functions.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful, fast-paced situations.
• Ability to solve problems creatively and take initiative.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive and resourceful approach, with a willingness to take ownership of routine and unexpected tasks.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Teams, Excel, Word and Outlook, and ability to learn Salesforce and Christie’s internal systems.
• Willingness to travel and work extended or non-traditional hours during auctions and events.

Skills

Experience

Prior administrative, coordinator, client-service or office experience preferred; no duration stated.

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent work experience.

Workplace

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 54,000 to USD 57,000 per annum.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision plans for employees and dependents, with Christie’s paying an average of 80% of total premiums; 401(k) matching contribution up to 5%, subject to IRS limits; life insurance of three times base salary up to $400,000, fully paid by Christie’s; disability insurance, fully paid by Christie’s; paid family leave up to 16 weeks; fitness-fee and membership reimbursement up to $600 per year; annual discretionary performance bonus plan; pre-tax commuter benefits with a $21 monthly Christie’s contribution; up to 10 days of backup child or elder care through Bright Horizons; one paid CSR day per year for charity work; perks and discounts through Zo and Plum Benefit.

Culture

Christie’s workplace culture centres on specialist expertise, intellectual curiosity and a shared appreciation for art and exceptional objects, with discretion and attentive client service shaping its professional environment. Its international auction business brings together specialists and colleagues across disciplines, combining a distinguished heritage with an evolving approach to digital engagement and the global art market.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.