VP, Head of Internal Communications

ABOUT SOTHEBY'S

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Synonymous with innovation, Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions, private sales and retail locations. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by 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.

THE ROLE

The VP of Internal Communications is responsible for developing and implementing an overall internal communications strategy and vehicles that support the Company’s goals, align with its values, and improve employee knowledge and engagement. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the VP will work with partners in global Press Offices, Human Resources, Compliance, Information Technology and Marketing and with Specialists to produce content and align messaging for internal audiences and to ensure that the content and messaging is in sync with the Company’s external Press and Marketing positions. 

This high-visibility role must be able to independently interact with Human Resources, senior-level executives, specialists and employees across the worldwide footprint and to represent the Communications function across the Company.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish a regular cadence of internal communications and a calendar of key moments such as Townhall
• Develop, write and edit communications materials for all internal communications, including executive messages, factoring in global and cultural sensitivities
• Support the activation of highly innovative and targeted communications strategies, with a consistent tone of voice and messaging tactics that support HR and the overall employee experience
• Partner with HR, the Press Office, Legal/Compliance, Marketing, Technology, etc in addition to external vendors to redesign and relaunch an internal communications portal capable of reaching Sotheby’s worldwide employee base and providing an inviting and informative platform for all employees at all levels
• Work with the Internal Communications team as well as Company partners such as HR, Compliance, Press and Marketing to produce high-quality, high-impact educational and information materials for internal audiences via several channels
• Identify and manage a group of internal communications contributors based in New York, London and Asia to maximize contributions
• Proactively provide process improvement suggestions
• Establish strategy for measuring internal communications effectiveness and website efficiency
• Ensure timely and relevant delivery of key information
• Maintain an internal communications calendar to facilitate regular and timely flow of information

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 10+ years of relevant Communications experience
• ideally 2+ years in people management
• Strategic mindset and experience leveraging both traditional and creative communications tactics across disciplines (digital, media, profile and brand building, partnerships and community engagement) to meet measurable objectives and long-term goals 
• Knowledge and experience in global luxury businesses with a relevant network to support the company’s objectives 
• Extensive experience in earned media relations, with proven success in framing and placing stories that support varying organizational needs and reach target audiences. 
• Collaborative nature and desire to engage thoughtfully with a team of world-class leaders and experts passionate about their work 
• Demonstrated ability to partner within Communications and across the broader organization
• Excellent influencing skills at all levels of the organization and extreme flexibility to be proactive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment 
• Competence in making timely, effective, principles-based decisions 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, organization and presentation skills; analytical and problem-solving abilities 
• Demonstrated net positive contributor to company community and culture above and beyond job duties 

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $115,000-$130,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. 

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