Business Development Director, Trusts, Estates & Appraisals

Business Development Director, Trusts, Estates & Appraisals

The Company

Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments or in our more Operational focused teams we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 260 year old company, steeped in history, bringing constant innovation whilst not forgetting our age old values; Passionate Expertise, Exceptional Client Service, Teamwork, Integrity, Business Judgement & Innovation. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is constantly inspiring to work with industry leaders across all segments of the business.

Why this role matters

The Business Development Director serves as an active professional liaison between Christie’s and the Trusts & Estates, Wealth Management and professional advisory community. This senior-level position works closely with the Head of Business Development in formulating, supporting and executing Christie’s business development initiatives as well as identifying, participating in and leading business getting opportunities.

Client Engagement & Development:

• Develop and maintain relationships with attorneys, trust advisors, financial managers and other fiduciaries through corporate and individual engagement opportunities.

• Identify engagement prospects and referral sources, and formulate strategies for maintaining, deepening and expanding the relationship with Christies.

• Execute and bring the above opportunities forward.

• Play a central role in attending national, regional and local business development events including but not limited to conferences, seminars, tours, receptions, dinners and luncheons.

• Assist with planning of the annual business development events including conferences, Christie’s hosted events and unique partnership opportunities.

• Deliver thoughtful innovative ideas around types of professional advisor engagement.

• Capture and report on intelligence gathered via engagement opportunities.

• Participate in providing presentations to law firms and other relevant audiences on topics such as art market updates and Christie’s services.

• Participate in the daily obituary review process and actively follow up and chase potential leads.

• Serve as an engaged member of the client team and serve as a team lead for designated advisors and fiduciaries.

Business-Getting, Valuation & Consignment Services:

• Partner with specialists and the senior management team on estate business getting, including identifying client’s key decision making factors, overseeing the proposal/presentation process, establishing financial terms and approvals and formulating sales/marketing plans.

• Independently drive multi-departmental estate business getting and/or provide key leadership within the team on business getting opportunities.

• Provide high level oversight of multi-departmental estate consignment and appraisal management ensuring all aspects are executed and supported.

• Possess a highly in-depth knowledge of Christie’s appraisal services, relevant legalities and IRS issues. Must have the ability to communicate the nuances of appraisal services internally and externally.

• Successfully partner with Account Managers on valuation and consignments services and delegate specific account management responsibilities as appropriate.

What you’ll bring to the team

• Bachelor’s degree in fine or decorative arts preferred; or equivalent work experience.

• 10 years of relevant work experience preferred.

• Knowledge of fine art, furniture and decorative arts preferred.

• Superior client service skills.

• Superior problem solving skills and proven to independently execute solutions.

• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including superior written and spoken communication.

What’s great about working for us

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision care plans for employees and dependents (On average, Christie’s pays 80% of total premiums)

• 401(k) Savings Plan – Christie’s provides a matching contribution up to 5% (subject to IRS limits)

• Life Insurance - 3x base salary (100% paid by Christie’s)

• Disability Insurance (100% paid by Christie’s)

• Generous time-off and leave policies; including 100% Paid Family Leave up to 16 weeks.

• Fitness Reimbursement Program: reimbursement of eligible fitness fees and memberships up to $600 per year

• Annual Discretionary Performance Bonus Plan

• Commuter Benefits - Pre-tax money towards your daily commute with a Christie’s contribution of $21 per month

• Back Up Child & Elder Care – up to 10 days of back-up Child or Elder Care through Bright Horizons

• CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Day- Each employee receives one paid day per year to dedicate their time to a charity of their choice.

• Perks and Discounts through Zo and Plum Benefits

Christie’s, Inc. is committed to principles of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, Christie’s Inc. ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.

Closing Date: April 30th, 2026

• Posted salary range does not include discretionary bonus compensation and overtime pay.

Compensation Range

Salary: $170,000.00 - $180,000.00