Hub City Bookshop Manager

186 WEST MAIN STREET, SPARTANBURG, SC, United States, 29306

Position: Full-Time

The Hub City Writers Project seeks a Bookshop Manager for its award-winning Hub City Bookshop. This is a wonderful opportunity to play a central role in the operations of this downtown community nonprofit bookstore, which has twice been named one of the “South’s Best Bookstores” by Southern Living magazine and was named Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance “Bookstore of the Year” in 2019.

The Hub City Writers Project is a dynamic literary arts organization whose mission is to “Cultivate readers and nurture writers.” In addition to the bookshop, the organization boasts an award-winning independent press, conducts educational programming for writers, and community outreach to readers. The Bookshop Manager supports this mission under the direction of the Executive Director.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversees all facets of store operations including selecting, merchandising, and managing inventory, creating staff schedules to ensure coverage, hosting events, and maintaining social media presence
Acts as primary book buyer for the Bookshop, which includes frontlist, backlist, and stationery ordering
Assists in interviewing, hiring, training, and evaluating bookshop staff
Sets daily staff priorities and ensures that sales and productivity goals are met
Oversees Events: including managing Events Coordinator, event book ordering/returning, and marketing and planning of Bookshop, off-site, and partner events
Plans and manages maintenance of bookstore accounting records and processes as well as a familiarity with POS systems, preferably Booklog, and Quickbooks
Helps plan special events like Independent Bookstore Day and fundraisers like Delicious Reads
Creates and maintains partnerships with organizations for community events and outreach
Develops relationships to grow corporate, institutional, and other bulk sales
Encourages ideas, participation, and a culture of openness in the bookshop
We have a shop cat (Zora), and you are in charge of her but she's also in charge of you :)

DESIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in retail management, independent bookstore, and/or publishing is required
Ability to work independently or as part of a team with interpersonal and customer service skills that display a positive attitude and cultural sensitivity
Familiarity with basic accounting principles and a high level of organization, including time management skills and the ability to manage calendars and prioritize time-sensitive tasks
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and social media
Ability to empathize, have difficult conversations, and maintain a level-headed response to stress
Knowledge of Local First issues and ability to talk about and advocate for independent bookstores

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
Familiarity with Slack, Dropbox, social media platforms, and other office and productivity tools
Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle

BENEFITS

12 days of vacation and 5 days of sick leave per year
Annual non-taxable $3,600 healthcare stipend
Access to a SIMPLE 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar matching

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. These include remaining in a stationary position for an extended period of time, moving about the office to access files and office equipment, operating a computer and other office equipment, and moving boxes weighing up to 25 pounds for shipping and off-site events.

Hiring range: $40,000 to $42,000 commensurate with experience and according to Hub City’s staff salary schedule.

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) in Spartanburg, SC. The expected workday will be 9 am to 5 pm. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to attend occasional events scheduled on evenings, weekends, and some holidays. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or disabled.

TO APPLY: Submit cover letter and resume via Submittable.
Applications will be accepted and interviews conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Expected start date in January 2025. No phone calls, please. In your cover letter, please address:

Why you are interested in working for Hub City Writers Project and in this job in particular
What about your experience makes you an ideal candidate for this position?
This job requires a candidate who is comfortable both directing their own work and collaborating closely with a team on org projects. Explain how your experience makes you suitable for both styles of work.

To submit your application, click here.

About Hub City Writers Project:

Hub City Writers Project is a literary nonprofit organization located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Comprised of an acclaimed literary book publisher, an independent bookshop, and a literary programmer focused on education and outreach, our mission is cultivating readers and nurturing writers in both the Spartanburg community and throughout the South to foster an inclusive literary arts culture.