Head of Department, American Art
Christie's · New York City · $135,000–$165,000 (stated in the posting)
Head of Department, American Art
The Company
Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments or in our more Operational focused teams we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing constant innovation whilst not forgetting our age old values; Passionate Expertise, Exceptional Client Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Business Judgement & Innovation. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is constantly inspiring to work with industry leaders across all segments of the business.
Why This Role Matters
As the market-leading auction house for American Art, Christie's is uniquely positioned to shape the future of the category and expand its leadership in an evolving and increasingly competitive market. As Head of Department, American Art, you will play a critical role in driving the continued growth and success of one of the industry's most respected departments.
Reporting to the Regional Managing Director and working in close partnership with the International Director, you will set the strategic direction for the department, lead a high-performing team, and deliver two major sale seasons annually while achieving agreed commercial and financial objectives. You will be responsible for strengthening Christie's market dominance through exceptional expertise, client engagement, business development, and profitable growth.
At an exciting period of expansion for the American Art business, this role offers the opportunity to shape strategy, cultivate major client relationships, secure important works and collections, and drive innovation across both auction and private sale channels. This is a senior leadership position with significant management responsibility and will require regular business travel.
How You’ll Make an Impact
Sale Management and Strategic Planning
- Partner with Regional Managing Director, International Director and 20/21 Leadership team to develop and implement strategy for the department across auction and private sale, within the context of Christie’s global strategic priorities, and in order to maximize profit.
- Overall responsibility for content of American Art sales, and the smooth running of processes.
- Work with International Director to maximize cross-category sale concepts, curating sales that cater to current market conditions and market strengths, and taking bold decisions about sale content where necessary.
- Lead, assist and advise on business-getting proposals, leading client discussions and presentations to win business
- Work with the Regional Managing Director to develop budgets, control costs and maintain profitability for the department
- Partner with 20/21 leadership team to evolve and manage sales calendar and sale strategy
- Drive and develop strategies and proposals working closely with the Proposals department to win competitive business
- Take a lead in and conduct private sales transactions.
Team Management and Department Organization
- Direct line management responsibility for American Art team. Responsible for all personnel related matters, including but not limited to performance management, career development, and year-end processes.
- Provide mentoring, nurture talent, and help to train less experienced specialists, developing the team both as individuals and as a whole with the aim of maximizing the levels of expertise and client service offered by the department
Communication
- Ensure collegiate and open attitude within the department, nurturing a natural predilection towards teamwork and openness
- Encourage clear and consistent communication within the department
- Act as departmental ambassador, liaising with other Christie’s departments to encourage cross-category buying and selling
Expertise and Client Service
- Ensure rigorous processes are set in place in estimating works for auction, private sale, and Christie’s Art Finance
- Maintain a high level of client service, setting the best example
- Working with Client Strategy, ensure comprehensive consideration of new and existing clients
- Develop long-term relationships with buyers and sellers, as well as Institutions and other stakeholders in the Market
- Create strong market visibility and PR, including ties with external bodies and participate in relevant public relations activities.
Developing New Business
- Continually build an understanding of the current market and keep an eye on the key players (buying, selling and holding)
- Identify and develop new sales categories or market opportunities that will grow the pipeline of new business
- Ensure that new business opportunities are acted on and followed through
Enhancing Christie’s Brand
- Act as a figurehead of Christie’s and build alliances and networks of key influencers in the market
- Work closely with the trade to identify auction, guarantee and private sale opportunities
- Attend client engagement events and act as a brand ambassador for Christie’s, building both personal and department profiles externally
What You’ll Bring to the Team
- At least 10 years’ experience in the field
- Extensive market and commercial knowledge. Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the field including clients, market & estimating, with a view and perspective on future growth opportunities
- Proven experience of curating and managing auction sales
- Excellent negotiation skills with a proven track record of having extensively managed client negotiations
- Strong people management experience and demonstrable capabilities of developing individuals and teams
- Strong organizational skills and proven ability to lead projects
- Ability to think strategically
- Commercial management expertise demonstrating ability to manage financial issues
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
What's great about working for us
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision care plans for employees and dependents (On average, Christie’s pays 80% of total premiums)
- 401(k) Savings Plan – Christie’s provides a matching contribution up to 5% (subject to IRS limits)
- Life Insurance - 3x base salary up to $400k (100% paid by Christie’s)
- Disability Insurance (100% paid by Christie’s)
- Generous time-off and leave policies; including 100% Paid Family Leave up to 16 weeks.
- Fitness Reimbursement Program: reimbursement of eligible fitness fees and memberships up to $600 per year
- Annual Discretionary Performance Bonus Plan
- Commuter Benefits - Pre-tax money towards your daily commute with a Christie’s contribution of $21 per month
- Back Up Child & Elder Care – up to 10 days of back-up Child or Elder Care through Bright Horizons
- CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Day- Each employee receives one paid day per year to dedicate their time to a charity of their choice.
- Perks and Discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits
*Christie’s reserves the right to change company benefits at any time
Christie’s, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Christie’s Inc. ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.
Closing Date: November 9th, 2026
*Posted salary range does not include discretionary bonus compensation and/or overtime pay.