Christie's Head of Department, American Art

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.

Role & Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the department’s auction and private-sale strategy with the Regional Managing Director, International Director, and 20/21 Leadership team, aligned with Christie’s global priorities and focused on maximizing profit.
• Take overall responsibility for the content of American Art sales and the smooth running of sale processes.
• Work with the International Director to develop cross-category sale concepts, curate sales for current market conditions and strengths, and make decisive choices about sale content when needed.
• Lead, support, and advise on business-getting proposals; lead client discussions and presentations to win business.
• Develop budgets, control costs, and maintain departmental profitability with the Regional Managing Director.
• Partner with the 20/21 Leadership team to evolve and manage the sales calendar and strategy.
• Develop strategies and proposals with the Proposals department to win competitive business.
• Lead and conduct private-sale transactions.
• Directly manage the American Art team and oversee personnel matters, including performance management, career development, and year-end processes.
• Mentor and train less experienced specialists, nurture talent, and develop individuals and the team to maximize expertise and client service.
• Foster a collegial, open, and collaborative departmental culture.
• Encourage clear and consistent communication within the department.
• Represent the department and liaise with other Christie’s departments to encourage cross-category buying and selling.
• Establish rigorous processes for estimating works for auction, private sale, and Christie’s Art Finance.
• Maintain a high level of client service and set an example for the department.
• Work with Client Strategy to ensure comprehensive consideration of new and existing clients.
• Develop long-term relationships with buyers, sellers, institutions, and other market stakeholders.
• Build market visibility and public relations, maintain ties with external bodies, and participate in relevant public-relations activities.
• Continuously monitor the market and key buyers, sellers, and holders.
• Identify and develop new sales categories and market opportunities to grow the new-business pipeline.
• Ensure new-business opportunities are acted on and followed through.
• Represent Christie’s and build alliances and networks with key market influencers.
• Work closely with the trade to identify auction, guarantee, and private-sale opportunities.
• Attend client-engagement events and act as a Christie’s brand ambassador, building personal and departmental profiles externally.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years’ experience in the field.
• Extensive market and commercial knowledge, including comprehensive, in-depth knowledge of clients, the market, and estimating, with a perspective on future growth opportunities.
• Proven experience curating and managing auction sales.
• Excellent negotiation skills and a proven track record of extensive client negotiation management.
• Strong people-management experience and demonstrated ability to develop individuals and teams.
• Strong organizational skills and proven ability to lead projects.
• Ability to think strategically.
• Commercial management expertise and ability to manage financial issues.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Skills

Experience

At least 10 years in the field

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 135,000 to USD 165,000 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 contributions 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; generous time-off and leave policies, including up to 16 weeks of fully paid family leave; 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 Benefits.

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.

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