“Assistant Manager, Bookstore/Cafe”

Applications open.

Full-Time or Part-Time Retail Position: 38-42 hours/week

Schedule: 5 days/week, including Saturdays &/or Sundays, with occasional weeknight evenings.

If you would like to have a career as a bookseller, the Midtown Scholar Bookstore is seeking a hard-working, dependable self-starter who is focused on customers’ needs and enjoys a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment to join our retail bookstore, café, and events team. This is a management track position. Previous book industry or other retail management experience is beneficial.

Applicants are encouraged to describe their special interest in a specific area of bookstore operations, like social media/marketing, website design, children’s books, cafe/beverages, merchandising, inventory databases, community programs, or author events.

Tasks may include front-end retail operations; daily supervision of bookstore/café employees and staff development; café beverages and food service; store merchandising; light maintenance and cleaning; point-of-sale cashier; assistance with facilities management, restocking/receiving, and shelf/section curation; and support for on-site author talks and literary programs. Some public events may be held off-site. Previous assistant-managerial experience and excellent customer service skills are beneficial. This role benefits from strong interpersonal, writing, and computer skills.

Special training and certification is available through the American Booksellers Association’s Professional Booksellers School. Coffee education and certification is available through Counter Culture Coffee. Opportunities for advancement will be based on interest and skills.

To apply, please send a Resume and Cover Letter describing your skills and interest to jobs @ midtownscholar.com.

Location: Midtown Harrisburg

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

●      College degree with a minimum of two years’ relevant professional experience

●      Available to work most weekends and flexibility to work occasional 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 MS Word & Excel

●      Comfortable using social media and other platforms to promote bookstore/cafe activities

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:

The Midtown Scholar Bookstore recognizes that everyone has a contribution to make to our society and a right to equal opportunity. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against by us on the basis of gender (including sex, marriage, or gender reassignment); race (including ethnic origin, nationality, or national origin); disability; sexual orientation; religion or belief; or age. We aim to promote equal opportunities, eliminate discrimination, and eliminate harassment through the following: opposing all forms of unlawful discrimination; all employees whether part-time, full-time, or seasonal will be treated fairly and with respect; selection for employment and opportunities for advancement will be based on aptitude and capability.

All employees will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, and individuals’ talents and resources will be fully utilized to maximize the efficiency of business operations. All employees have a legal and moral obligation not to discriminate and to report incidents of discrimination to a manager. The Midtown Scholar Bookstore is committed to creating an environment in which individual differences and all employees’ contributions are recognized and valued. Every employee is entitled to be part of an environment that promotes dignity and respect to all. No form of intimidation, bullying or harassment will be tolerated.

We follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Civil Rights legislation, it is the policy of the Midtown Scholar Bookstore to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Catherine Lawrence (she/her), Telephone: (717) 236-1680, Email: jobs @ midtownscholar.com