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The next great This House of Books employee ... might be you!
We're looking for someone with an entrepreneurial passion to take our beloved community-owned bookstore to the next level, making us more visible, more profitable, and a better resource for book lovers in Billings and beyond. No one gets into bookselling for the money, but if you love books and want a key role in growing a great community institution, we may have the perfect opportunity for you. If we don't find exactly the right person for this critical role, we won't hire, so please forward!
Operations Manager
Full-Time, flexible hours with some overtime
We seek an experienced retail manager with demonstrated abilities to join a small but enthusiastic staff in our nearly 2-year-old cooperatively-owned bookstore in Billings, Montana. The job includes many duties from working the counter to business planning, drafting and implementing a creative marketing plan, organizing and promoting events, staying up to speed with the bookselling industry, supervising volunteers, bringing traffic into the store, selling member shares, communicating with the board,keeping the store an attractive and fresh environment, and attending to the countless details that keep the store an enjoyable, inviting place to be. Familiarity with the cooperative business form is a plus. Extensive knowledge and love of books are essential.
This is a new position, a reorganization to get some functions we badly need.
Special Requirements
This is a leadership position for an entrepreneurial, flexible, self-motivated person who works well as part of a team or independently. Must enjoy working with the diverse people and working styles that make up This House of Books staff, volunteers, and member-owners, as well as that same diversity in the general public. Must be very willing to listen to and be open to all ideas and opinions and have patience with the deliberative process of board-supervised cooperative and evolving job requirements. Must be comfortable communicating one on one and in large groups, keeping in mind confidentiality issues. Must be willing to take risks, make mistakes (that are often very public), and accept criticism and suggestions with an open mind. Should be comfortable being seen as a role model and resource person for the staff and volunteers. The job requires frequent standing, lifting, and movement so good physical condition is important. Must have a good sense of humor.
Compensation
This is a $30,000 per year salaried position, representing industry standard compensation—with the caveat that bookselling isn’t a highly compensated industry. We offer two weeks paid vacation plus Sundays and holidays when the store is closed, employee discounts, a flexible work schedule when possible, and bonus compensation for improving revenues. The Operations Manager reports to a 7-person volunteer board of directors. The job involves working with kids so a background check will be required.
Please contact board member Carrie La Seur at claseur at gmail dot com with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three references. No calls please.
About This House of Books
Founded in 2016 in downtownBillings, Montana, our bookstore is cooperatively owned by more than 300 individual shareholders, including over 30 authors. We are working to build a regional reputation for an extensive inventory tailored to our region, frequent author events, and devoted customer service. More can be found at our website.
POSTED: August 15, 2018
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: September 30, 2018
