THE ROLE

Sotheby’s is seeking an experienced Writer & Researcher to join its Sports team in New York. This full-time role will be responsible for researching, writing and fact-checking content across the department, with a particular focus on the information presented within Sports auction lots.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer and researcher who can identify what makes an object important and turn detailed research into engaging, accessible copy. A key part of the role will be shaping the story around each lot, understanding the moments, achievements and context that make the property interesting to collectors and communicating that clearly in Sotheby’s voice.

This person will also take a leading role in the Sports cataloguing process, setting standards for research, writing and review and helping ensure the department is producing the highest quality content for clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the Sports cataloguing process from a writing and research perspective, setting and maintaining clear standards for catalogue notes, sourcing, fact-checking, condition reporting and final review.
• Research and write catalogue content for significant and high-value property, identifying the history, context and details that best communicate the importance and appeal of each lot.
• Review catalogue content produced across the team, providing edits and guidance and ensuring work meets Sotheby’s standards for accuracy, clarity and quality before publication.
• Develop and improve workflows for research, writing and quality control, giving the team a consistent structure for producing and reviewing catalogue content.
• Conduct detailed research into players, teams, games, statistics, records, provenance and other relevant context using appropriate internal and external sources.
• Write and proofread broader Sports content including sale and lot overview pages, editorial features, press materials, website content and social copy.
• Inspect property and prepare condition reports, working with Specialists and relevant internal or external experts where needed.
• Work closely with Specialists and colleagues across Editorial, Marketing, Press, Social, Photography and other support departments to meet catalogue and publication deadlines.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in writing, research, editing, journalism, cataloguing or a related field.
• Exceptional writing and research skills, with the ability to turn detailed information into engaging and concise copy.
• Strong editorial judgment and an instinct for identifying the details that make a story or object compelling.
• Experience setting or maintaining editorial, research or cataloguing standards and reviewing the work of others.
• Strong editing skills and the ability to quickly adopt an established tone and style.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong fact-checking skills.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of projects and manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of sports and sports history preferred.
• Experience in sports media, journalism, publishing, editorial, research, sports memorabilia or collectibles preferred.
• Auction house cataloguing or research experience helpful but not required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.