Administrative and Research Assistant

Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented Administrative and Research Assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will provide administrative support, ensuring efficient operation of the office, and will be eager to assist with appraisal report writing/editing and fine art auctions.

About MIR Appraisal Services

MIR Appraisal Services, Inc. has been appraising fine art and personal property since 1994. We are a small, professional appraisal company with a main office in downtown Chicago, IL. Our clients include religious organizations, insurance agencies, law firms, educational institutions, government organizations, libraries, public parks, and museums & historical societies, as well as the general public.

MIR Appraisal Services Inc. is seeking an Administrative and Research Assistant who will provide general administrative support and appraisal research assistance to MIR Appraisal Services, Inc. operations. The candidates should have a background and/or demonstrated interest in art and antiques, possess a positive attitude, and an eagerness to learn and collaborate. This position is part-time or full-time starting with a 3 month probationary period and is fully on-site, Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at our downtown offices.

Why MIR Appraisal?

Our small office environment fosters an immersive professional experience where candidates will have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of the appraisal and advisory process.

The practices of our company are centered on employee retention. Rather than focusing on the short-term, we want our team members to feel like they have room to grow into their role.

Administrative responsibilities:

• Office management in our downtown Chicago offices
• Respond to general client inquiries via phone and email, and process new clients
• Maintain daily client relations using CRM software/Pipedrive
• Schedule and facilitate appraisal appointments
• Help direct the company’s website content, social media outlets, and weekly newsletter on the art market, artists, and appraisal-related topics

Research & Appraisal responsibilities:

• Write and edit appraisal reports
• Assist in valuation and historical research on appraisal items to a high degree of accuracy
• Facilitate authentication and conservation requests
• Assist Senior Appraiser at on-site inspections as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in art history, fine art, marketing, business, communications, or a related field
• Cumulative 3 or more years of proven experience in relevant appraisals, office management, or an arts-related field
• Sales experience, and experience in auctions and art handling is a plus
• Quick learner, motivated, and dependable
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact with clients professionally and confidently
• Excellent writing, proofreading, and organizational skills
• Competency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, photo editing applications, and social media
• Familiarity with web development is a plus

MIR Appraisal Services, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All employment decisions and personnel actions at MIR Appraisal Services, Inc. are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

To be considered for the position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references. Please send materials to opportunities@mirappraisal.com only.

Relevant experience is required, please keep this in mind when applying.

Job Type: Part-time or Full-time

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation commensurate with experience
• Compensation starts hourly with potential to become salaried after a 3 month probationary period
• Health insurance and paid time off available for salaried employees

Schedule:

• 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
• 30 minute lunch break
• Monday-Friday

Education

• Bachelor's (Required)
• Master's (Preferred)

Experience

• Arts-related: 3 years (Required)
• Customer service: 3 years (Required)
• Compensation commensurate with actual experience in the arts field

Work Location: On site, Chicago, IL 60601 (Required)