Salary: $48k 

Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: High School
Travel Percentage: 50% 

The Programs Manager is in charge of researching, planning, and executing in person, online, and hybrid programs for Busboys and Poets Books. This will include, but is not limited to, event hosting, event ordering and buying, as well as researching and following up on community engagement and outreach. In addition to one-time events with authors and organizations, the Programs Manager will work in tandem with the Director of Operations to formalize and continue official store book club programming, both independently and with outside organizations. In addition to programs management responsibilities, this role will assist bookstore leaders (Director of Operations, Book Buyer, and Auxiliary Supervisor) as needed for off-site and on-site bookstore needs (including festival sales and/or floor coverage). This role is a hybrid in-store and work from home employment opportunity, dependent on events/staffing demands. 

Responsibilities:

• Coordinates with the Director of Operations to research, plan, and execute relevant and exciting events for the greater DMV within the bookstore

  • This includes both in person, hybrid, and online event planning/execution/hosting and requires flexibility due to COVID-19

  • This includes community engagement outreach and support with relevant organizations in the DMV and, where appropriate, at a national level

• Communicating with authors, publicists, and event partners by email and phone

• Managing, editing, and communicating Busboys and Poets Books calendar/schedule with other bookstore supervisors and support staff

• Specific book and sidelines purchasing for events, with the assistance of the Book Buyer

• Communicates with bookstore supervisors about upcoming events at their locations

• Works with the Director of Operations about all operational aspects of events programming and management- this includes but is not limited to book fulfillment and post office drops, supplies needed, issues/problem areas, and ideas for improvements to existing systems and procedures

• Coordinates with the Director of Operations to ensure the proper running and execution of events, as well as events correspondence in the light of vacation or absence

• Coordinates with Book Buyer to successfully plan and execute preorder campaigns and other bookstore sales campaigns 

• Coordinates with the Events and Marketing team to successfully promote bookstore events to our guests as well as the general public

• Tracking and analyzing events sales and data to improve event programming and procedures

• Covering floor shifts when absolutely necessary due to staffing shortages/call outs. 

• Strong customer service and communication skills

• Past retail, management, and/or bookstore experience required

• Past experience in event planning and management is encouraged but not required

• Strong public speaking skills with the ability to handle and coordinate event hosting

• Compassionate and respectful management/conflict resolution skills

• Enjoys working within a team but is self-motivated and able to work independently

• Ability to establish and maintain an organized workspace

• Bibliophile, or at least able to speak about literature and popular titles (both classic and contemporary)

• High School diploma or equivalent - higher education beyond this is preferred but not required

• Ability to stand and be mobile during onsite and offsite events when appropriate

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs

• Ability to be mobile around the District and our MD/VA locations in a timely and efficient manner

• Night and weekend availability is required for this position