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SVP, Global Head of Restitution

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Sotheby's

Sep 16

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Consulting
    Legal
  • London
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You need 10+ years in restitution, a JD or legal degree, fluency in German, French knowledge, strong research and communication skills, and international travel availability.
  • You will strategize and manage global restitution efforts, oversee research on provenance claims, collaborate with departments, provide training, represent the organization at events, and build industry relationships.

Requirements

  • 10+ years of relevant experience in restitution and provenance research and business development
  • JD or international legal degree or qualification required. While the Global Head of Restitution will not be practicing law, the role must understand the complexity of the legal issues involved.
  • This role requires connections in the Restitution field (lawyers, government bodies), business getting experience, proven research skills, client and stakeholder management, presentation skills and press training.
  • Fluency in German, with working knowledge of French
  • The successful candidate must be a team player, able to work in a collaborative environment and have excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to travel internationally frequently
  • Please note that we are also willing to hire in Germany or Paris

Responsibilities

  • Drive the strategy for the Restitution Department Globally, managing the team.
  • Oversee and direct workflow of Sotheby’s Global Restitution department’s research to prevent stolen objects from circulating in the art market and, in particular, resolving provenance issues of any item with ownership claims from the Nazi-era.
  • Collaborate with business getters and cataloguers in each affected expert department to vet and research artworks being appraised, prospected or sold.
  • Provide guidance and training to art specialists and other colleagues at Sotheby’s on policies surrounding stolen art and objects with Nazi-era provenance.
  • Represent Sotheby’s and Sotheby’s Restitution as an ambassador at events including lectures and conferences globally.
  • Organize Sotheby’s hosted events and educational seminars focusing on the nuances and scholarship in this area.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with relevant lawyers, researchers and government bodies in the restitution field.
  • Generate incremental business through research and contacts, specifically lawyers, heirs, museums and researchers.
  • Publish articles in relevant magazines and be a recognised expert in the field.
  • Work directly with clients and their advisors to navigate and resolve claims.
  • Facilitate settlements between consignors and claimants and lead any sale claims management.
  • Partner with colleagues to oversee compliance around source of funds.
  • Act as a member of the Sotheby’s Ethics Committee.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Global Head of Restitution?

The primary responsibility of the Global Head of Restitution is to drive the strategy for the Restitution Department globally, manage the team, and oversee research related to preventing stolen objects from circulating in the art market, particularly focusing on resolving provenance issues from the Nazi-era.

What qualifications are required for this role?

A JD or international legal degree or qualification is required, along with 10+ years of relevant experience in restitution and provenance research and business development.

Is fluency in any specific languages necessary for this position?

Yes, fluency in German is required, along with a working knowledge of French.

Will the Global Head of Restitution be practicing law?

No, while the role requires an understanding of the complexity of legal issues involved, the Global Head of Restitution will not be practicing law.

What type of experience should candidates have in relation to the restitution field?

Candidates should have connections in the restitution field, experience in business development, proven research skills, client and stakeholder management, and presentation skills.

Will I have opportunities to represent Sotheby’s at public events?

Yes, the Global Head of Restitution will act as an ambassador for Sotheby’s and represent the organization at various events, including lectures and conferences globally.

How important is teamwork in this role?

Teamwork is essential; the successful candidate must be a team player, able to work in a collaborative environment and possess excellent communication skills.

Is international travel required for this position?

Yes, the role requires the ability to travel internationally frequently.

Can the Global Head of Restitution work from locations outside of New York?

Yes, we are willing to hire in Germany or Paris, offering flexibility in location.

What is the nature of the company's commitment to diversity and equal opportunity?

Sotheby’s is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to various protected characteristics, ensuring compliance with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment.

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Sotheby's

The world’s premier destination for art and luxury.

Fashion & Arts
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
1744
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.