Head of Department, American Art

Christie's•New York, NY

1d•$135,000 - $165,000

About The Position

Christie’s is hiring a Head of Department, American Art, to set the department’s strategic direction and lead its continued growth and success. Reporting to the Regional Managing Director and partnering closely with the International Director and the 20/21 Leadership team, this senior leader will manage a high-performing team, deliver two major sale seasons annually, and achieve agreed commercial and financial objectives. The role focuses on strengthening Christie’s position in the American Art market through expertise, client engagement, business development, and profitable growth across auction and private sale channels. It includes significant management responsibility and regular business travel. The Head of Department oversees American Art sale content and processes; develops sale strategy, calendars, budgets, and proposals; leads client discussions and negotiations; and conducts private sales transactions. The role also manages department personnel and development, promotes collaboration and communication, maintains rigorous estimating and client-service practices, develops client and market relationships, identifies new business opportunities, and serves as an ambassador for Christie’s. Christie’s offers employee benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) plan with matching contributions; life and disability insurance; paid leave; fitness reimbursement; a discretionary performance bonus plan; commuter benefits; backup child and elder care; a paid CSR day; and perks and discounts. The listed salary range is $135,000–$165,000, excluding discretionary bonus compensation and/or overtime pay. Closing date: November 9, 2026.

Requirements

At least 10 years’ experience in the field.
Extensive market and commercial knowledge, including comprehensive knowledge of clients, the market, and estimating, and a perspective on future growth opportunities.
Proven experience curating and managing auction sales.
Excellent negotiation skills and a proven record of extensively managing client negotiations.
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, including the ability to manage financial issues.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Regional Managing Director, International Director, and 20/21 Leadership team to develop and implement department strategy across auction and private sale, aligned with Christie’s global priorities and focused on maximizing profit.
Oversee the content of American Art sales and ensure sale processes run smoothly.
Work with the International Director to develop cross-category sale concepts and curate sales suited to market conditions and strengths, making decisions about sale content as needed.
Lead, assist with, and advise on business-getting proposals, client discussions, and presentations to win business.
Work with the Regional Managing Director to develop budgets, control costs, and maintain department profitability.
Partner with the 20/21 Leadership team to evolve and manage the sales calendar and sale strategy.
Develop strategies and proposals with the Proposals department to win competitive business.
Lead and conduct private sales transactions.
Directly manage the American Art team and handle personnel matters, including performance management, career development, and year-end processes.
Mentor and train specialists, developing individuals and the team to strengthen expertise and client service.
Promote a collegiate, open, and collaborative department culture, and encourage clear and consistent communication.
Represent the department in dealings with other Christie’s departments and 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 a strong example.
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.
Monitor the market and key buyers, sellers, and holders.
Identify and develop new sales categories and market opportunities to grow the pipeline of new business, and ensure opportunities are pursued.
Represent Christie’s and build alliances and networks with key market influencers.
Work 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 department profiles externally.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision care plans for employees and dependents; Christie’s pays an average of 80% of total premiums.
401(k) Savings Plan with matching contribution up to 5%, subject to IRS limits.
Life insurance at three times base salary, up to $400,000, paid by Christie’s.
Disability insurance paid by Christie’s.
Generous time-off and leave policies, including 100% paid family leave for up to 16 weeks.
Fitness reimbursement for eligible fees and memberships, up to $600 per year.
Annual discretionary performance bonus plan.
Commuter benefits, including pre-tax commute funds and a Christie’s contribution of $21 per month.
Up to 10 days of backup child or elder care through Bright Horizons.
One paid CSR day per year to dedicate to a charity of the employee’s choice.
Perks and discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits.