ABOUT SOTHEBY'S
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.
ROLE: Exhibition Registrar, New York
REPORTS TO: AVP, Gallery & Exhibition Planning Manager, New York
Role Overview
Sotheby’s is seeking an Exhibition Registrar to support the safe, accurate, and efficient movement of property through exhibitions, private sales, salons, photography, cataloguing, and direct-to-Breuer intake activity in New York.
Working closely with Exhibitions, Gallery Operations, Logistics, Property Handlers, Specialists, Facilities, Events, Programming and Registrars, this role will strengthen object traceability, staging discipline, and day-to-day coordination in a complex multi-site environment across York Avenue, the Breuer, and Gantry. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, confident using inventory systems, proactive, and able to operate calmly in a fast-paced auction house environment.
Key Responsibilities
Property Traceability & Registrar Controls
- Maintain accurate object location data in SAP and related systems, ensuring property is scanned, tracked, and correctly located.
- Support intake, movement, staging, installation, deinstallation, photography, cataloguing, handcarry, expertise, and private sale requests.
- Prepare and maintain movement documentation, transfer records, condition notes, and other registrar materials required for exhibition activity.
Exhibition & Gallery Support
- Support property movement and placement for exhibitions, salons, private sales, previews, boardrooms, restaurant installations, and client viewings.
- Help coordinate property & gallery readiness for installation and deinstallation, ensuring objects, documentation, and location information are available when needed.
- Support site-specific movement controls at the Breuer, including scan compliance, staging discipline, defined holding areas, and escalation when gallery activity, shuttle movement, or space constraints create risk.
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Work closely with Exhibitions, Gallery Operations, Logistics, Registrars, Facilities, Events, Programming and Specialist departments on Breuer-related property activity.
- Provide clear updates on property status, readiness, movement constraints, and open issues.
- Document and report incidents, near misses, discrepancies, or damage concerns in accordance with Sotheby’s procedures.
Skills & Qualifications
- 2-3 years of relevant experience in registrar, gallery operations, museum operations, auction house operations, art logistics, collections management, or a comparable environment.
- Experience working with fine art, luxury objects, fragile property, or high-value inventory.
- Familiarity with object traceability, inventory controls, condition documentation, movement records, and safe handling practices.
- Experience using SAP, scan guns, barcode systems, inventory management tools, or similar collection / logistics systems.
- Excellent attention to detail, organization, and follow-through in a fast-moving environment.
- Clear and professional communication style, with the judgment to escalate risks, discrepancies, or operational constraints in a timely manner.
The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $60,000-$70,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.
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