Books & Programs: MANAGEMENT TEAM
“DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS”
* Rolling Review of Applications Is Continuing This Week *
Full-Time Position: 38-45 hours/week
Schedule: 5 days/week, including 1-3 weeknights, and Saturdays 11am-7:30pm
The Midtown Scholar Bookstore-Cafe seeks an innovative, energetic, and hard-working Director of Community Programs to assist with retail new and used book selling, author talks, public programs, community outreach, and nonprofit grant administration. The position involves leading the bookstore-cafe team as an Assistant Manager on Saturdays and some weeknights. It requires exceptional interpersonal, writing, and multimedia skills, as well as familiarity with accounting and logistics. A background in retail sales, customer service, and staff management is beneficial. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.
To apply, please send a Resume and Cover Letter describing your skills and interest to jobs @ midtownscholar.com.
Location: Midtown Harrisburg
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES encompass all 3 of the following areas:
Public Outreach and Grants
○ Maintain existing and develop new partnerships with media, libraries, book clubs, universities, non-profit organizations, publishers, authors, patrons, and sponsors
○ Participate in literacy-related community programs with a nonprofit partner
○ Oversee the distribution of free books to eligible recipients in the region
○ Keep detailed accounting records of grant expenditures and charitable donations
Literary Programs
○ Coordinate literary events with authors, publicists, and community organizers
○ Oversee and manage the bookselling team during public programs, including author hospitality, speaker introductions, facilitating audience Q&A, book signing logistics, and moving tables, chairs, and books for event set-up and tear-down
○ Report analytics to internal management team and publishers following an event
○ Serve as a representative to publishers, authors, and sponsors
○ Coordinate and attend off-site events and provide mobile and pop-up book sales
○ Manage audio-visual equipment and live-stream webcast during events
○ Run point-of-sale cash register and provide cafe support as needed
○ Provide customer service via phone, email, and in-person
○ Carry out publicity campaigns, including managing and writing content for social media platforms, sending press releases, and speaking with media contacts
New and Used Books
○ Assist with new book inventory receiving, merchandising, and sales
○ Develop strong proficiency in used book sorting, pricing, database listing, shelving, wrapping, and mailing, in support of in-store and online book sales
○ Assist with online order fulfillment and used book inventory management
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
● College degree with a minimum of two years’ professional experience in retail management, event planning, organizational leadership, business finance, educational programs, or nonprofit development
● Available to work most Saturdays and flexibility to work some weeknights
● Experience with public speaking and crowd management
● Awareness of current publishing trends, including knowledge of different genres
● Aptitude for collaborative work as part of a dedicated team
● Self-starter with excellent judgment and time management
● Proven track record of positive customer service with a diverse public
● Exceptional verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills
● Ability to multi-task with attention to details and logistics
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office
● Comfortable using social media and other platforms to promote events and programs
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
● Ability to climb, bend, crouch, stoop, and lift boxes up to 40 lbs.; ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time; ability to use hands and arms to operate a keyboard and telephone, manipulate small, large, and heavy objects, and engage in repetitive motions.
● The workplace requires going up and down stairs and maneuvering narrow aisles and hallways, with the diverse sounds, smells, and distractions of a public gathering place.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & ANTI-HARASSMENT/ANTI-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: