The Curious Cat Bookshop in Winsted, CT, seeks a marketing-minded senior bookseller/marketing manager to drive online and in-person sales and event participation. A strong candidate for the position will bring 2 years of experience in excellent customer engagement and retail sales, preferably in the bookselling and/or publishing industry.
We seek a candidate who can excel in assisting with events management, marketing, merchandising, and social media.
We are looking for a leader who can encourage and inspire booksellers to share their passion and expertise through engaged interactions, as well as an entrepreneurial spirit to help our business grow. This position would be ideal for someone who wants more book-industry experience either to grow in their career in bookselling, or if they have goals in the publishing industry.
Interested individuals should be sure to include a cover letter introducing yourself and why you feel you'd be a good fit for the position. (This is required.)
Schedule: Part-time, in person, approximately 20-25 hours a week, with potential to grow to a full-time position with business growth
Required qualifications:
- Ability to provide high-quality recommendations that respect our reading community’s varied interests and age groups (staying up on industry news and reader communities online and in person included)
- Confidence to work independently with minimal supervision; highly motivated, flexible, and patient
- Creative problem-solver with strong attention to detail
- A strategic approach to bookselling with the goal of helping the business grow
- Flexible to work nights and weekends
- Outstanding leadership and communication skills; active listener
- Ability to lift heavy boxes occasionally (up to 50 lbs), bend down and reach high places, and be on your feet for long periods of time
Preferred qualifications:
- 2+ years of bookselling or publishing experience preferred
- Experience working with Basil + Square and IndieCommerce a plus
- Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience preferred
Responsibilities and Duties
- Prepare event marketing collateral materials 90 days prior to event date
- Collaborate with owner on marketing plans, including assisting with email newsletter drafting
- Manage inventory levels through purchasing, stock replenishment (shelving), and inventory control strategies to maximize sales and minimize losses
- Assist owner with merchandising, organizational, and training initiatives
- Attend mandatory staff meetings, including quarterly sales performance reviews
- Superficial cleaning and maintenance and general organization of the store
Compensation
- Commensurate with experience ($20-25 an hour)
Benefits
- Employee discount
- Sick days
- Retirement account
About the company
The Curious Cat Bookshop in Winsted, CT is a local, independent bookstore dedicated to inclusively serving the needs of the readers of Northwest Connecticut. We host author events, book clubs, community events, and a podcast dedicated to the entire life of the book.
The Curious Cat Bookshop is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to serving the Northwest Corner of Connecticut’s literary needs, bringing authors and bookish events to our community and building literacy and community connection. We operate with a participatory management style that encourages and expects involvement and communication with all employees.
