Senior Specialist, American Art

Bonhams • Marlborough, MA

6d

About The Position

The Senior Specialist, American Art is a senior member of the American Art department, responsible for driving business development, securing high-value consignments, and contributing to strong auction results in American Art. Working within a national team and reporting to the Head of American Art, this role combines deep connoisseurship with strong commercial acumen. The Senior Specialist plays a critical role in cultivating client relationships, identifying opportunities for growth, and managing all aspects of the consignment process—from initial appraisal through sale execution—while supporting departmental strategy and market leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5 + years of relevant experience in an auction house, gallery, art advisory firm, or institution
• Demonstrated expertise in American Art (from Colonial to Contemporary), with knowledge of New England Art strongly preferred
• Broad knowledge of European art from Old Masters to the present strongly recommended
• Proven track record of business-getting, as well as meeting and exceeding sales targets
• Established client base and strong industry relationships
• Deep art historical knowledge combined with strong market awareness and commercial instincts
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and client management abilities
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, results-driven approach
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and project management capability
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment in handling confidential information
• Willingness to travel domestically as needed
• Flexibility to support auctions and events outside standard business hours

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Art History or related field
• Foreign language skills (e.g., French, German, Italian)
• USPAP certification

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a strong national network of collectors, dealers, advisors, curators, and institutions in the New England region
• Identify and secure consignments through proactive outreach, relationship management, and strategic business-getting
• Deliver auction valuations, proposals, and formal appraisals to clients with professionalism and accuracy
• Act as a primary point of contact for New England consignors and buyers, ensuring a high level of client service throughout the auction cycle
• Collaborate with the Head of American Art and specialist colleagues to evaluate property and determine estimates, reserves, and sale strategies
• Support the successful execution of sales out of Marlborough through targeted client outreach and engagement
• Participate actively in presale exhibitions and auctions, including client interaction and telephone bidding
• Research, authenticate, and catalogue works of American art, including paintings, sculpture, and works on paper
• Prepare and review catalogue entries, condition reports, and scholarly content with a high degree of accuracy and insight
• Ensure consistency in style, content, and quality across all sale materials
• Conduct fair market, insurance, and estate appraisals for a variety of clients
• Conduct appraisals for private clients and institutional collections
• Provide expert guidance on collection development, valuation, and market trends
• Partner with internal teams including Marketing, Press, Photography, Production, and Client Development to position sales effectively
• Contribute to press materials, marketing campaigns, and targeted selling strategies
• Liaise across departments to identify cross-category opportunities and support broader business growth
• Represent the company at auctions, gallery openings, art fairs, and institutional events
• Maintain current knowledge of market trends, artists, and competitor activity

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance – HMO, EPO, PPO with FSA and HSA
• 20 days paid time off (PTO)
• 12 paid holidays and holiday break from Christmas to New Years Day
• 16 weeks fully paid parental leave (after one year)
• Flexible work arrangements
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (after one year)
• Life insurance with AD&D
• Short- and long-term disability
• Tuition reimbursement
• Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Professional development: free online training and expansive content library
• Employee resource groups: social club, diversity committee, mentorship program
• Sponsored socials: annual staff art exhibition, annual summer and holiday parties, monthly birthday treats, weekly breakfast

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees