Esther Schipper is seeking a highly motivated, strategic, and client-focused Sales Associate Director to join our international sales team. This mid-level position plays a key role in driving the gallery’s commercial success, cultivating relationships with collectors, curators, and institutions, and supporting the gallery’s visibility across global markets. The Sales Associate Director combines independent project management with collaborative teamwork, contributing to art fair planning, client engagement initiatives, and strategic sales development.
The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced environment at the intersection of art, business, and client relations. This role requires flexibility, professionalism, and a strong understanding of the international art market. Regular travel and evening/weekend work are expected during major art events and client engagements.
Gallery Profile
Specializing in contemporary art and representing over 50 artists and estates, Esther Schipper has locations in Berlin, Paris and Seoul. While the global team of over 60 employees spreads over locations around the world, the headquarters are located in Berlin, where the core of the operation is managed by both General Managers and their 6 departments.
Representing a diverse roster of international artists, the gallery has built a nearly 40-year legacy of innovation, institutional collaboration, and global engagement. The gallery is committed to presenting groundbreaking exhibitions by leading international artists. Mainly active in the primary market, the gallery represents its artists at all major international art fairs.
There are 8-9 internal exhibitions the gallery produces yearly for its space in Berlin, alongside regular exhibitions for the gallery’s showrooms in Paris and Seoul. The gallery participates in 10-12 international art fairs and supports dozens of external institutional exhibitions worldwide.
Position Summary
The Sales Associate Director is a mid-level role within the gallery’s sales team, reporting to the Team Lead Sales Director. The position bridges junior and senior sales levels, offering autonomy in managing projects and sales pipelines while contributing to team-wide goals. Sales Associate Directors represent the gallery at art fairs and events worldwide, lead client initiatives, and mentor junior staff. A cooperative spirit and commitment to a positive, solution-oriented work culture are essential.
Scope of Duties:
Project Management
- Independently manage projects such as art fairs, client events, and marketing initiatives
- Prepare booth layouts and coordinate logistics with internal teams
- Maintain accountability for project budgets, including profit/loss reporting
- Ensure smooth execution and client satisfaction in collaboration with back-office teams
Sales & Client Relations
- Cultivate and manage relationships with existing clients across all sales channels
- Develop new client relationships and proactively pursue leads
- Execute sales around exhibitions and art fairs, including follow-up and post-sale logistics
- Represent the gallery at openings, dinners, and international events
- Monitor the art market with a focus on gallery artists
Sales & Marketing Strategy
- Contribute to the gallery’s sales strategy in collaboration with senior leadership
- Develop ideas for client engagement, including studio visits and receptions
- Identify and report on business opportunities in national and international markets
- Collaborate with the Content Team on marketing materials and communications
Internal Coordination
- Work closely with other departments to ensure successful project and sales outcomes
- Provide guidance to Gallery Assistants and foster a culture of learning and professionalism
- Ensure accurate and timely updates in Artlogic and contact databases
Requirements
- 3–5 years of experience in a comparable sales or client-facing role, ideally in an international gallery
- In-depth knowledge of contemporary art, art history, and the global art market
- Strong communication skills in English and German, both written and verbal
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong project management abilities
- Flexible, dependable, and comfortable working under pressure
- A team player with emotional intelligence, empathy, and diplomacy
- Availability to travel and attend events outside standard working hours
- Familiarity with CRM tools (Artlogic preferred) and standard office applications
Working Conditions
Full-time, in-person role based in Berlin
Working days: Tuesday to Saturday, occasional travel and evening availability required for events
Department: Sales
Reports To: Team Lead Sales