| Employer | Mystery to Me |
|---|---|
| Location | Madison, WI |
| Type | Part time |
| Apply by | May 3, 2024 |
| Posted on | April 19, 2024 |
Description
Part-time salaried (25-35 hours/week, 12 months)
Salary commensurate with experience
Flexible schedule required including day, evening, and weekend hours
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and a list of up to three references.
Examples of prior event management experience are appreciated.
Submit your materials to Joanne@mysterytomebooks.com
Managing Events
Mystery to Me is a welcoming space and continues to offer a wide variety of community events in-
store, off-site, and virtually. This position will work on all aspects of the events marketing cycle,
including but not limited to communicating with publicists and authors; using Edelweiss to write
successful author event proposals; using Crowdcast to host virtual events or simulcast live events;
using Eventbrite to manage reservations; posting events to the store website and maintaining
other relevant website content; creating newsletter content as it relates to the events; and using
social media to promote events.
The event manager must be comfortable with public speaking. The successful candidate will host
and/or facilitate most author events and will work with the store manager to insure that the event is
sufficiently staffed.
The event manager will be expected to work with the owner and/or the manager to insure that a
sufficient number of author books are ordered in time for the event.
The event manager will manage relationships and work with local partners for events including the Wisconsin Book Festival and local libraries.
The event manager will be expected to cross-train bookseller colleagues about how to host an
event. Training will include using Apple Square uploads, Booklog/bookfair procedures, and preparing
for – and working off-site events.
The event manager will use Asana (or a similar project management tool) to track event details. Marketing
In addition to author events, the Event Manager will work on marketing materials for all in-store
programming, including book clubs, holiday promotions, independent bookstore day, store book
clubs, and will work with the owner regarding general store marketing and communications. This
position works with other booksellers to promote the store through various social media channels.
Marketing also can entail working with designers for store merchandise – including t-shirts,
bookmarks, mugs, etc.
Mystery to Me is a proud partner of Bookshop and of Libro.fm.
Bookshop is an online marketplace that offers customers an alternative to Amazon and to ordering
directly from our store when, for example, a title isn’t immediately available to us. The marketing
position supports the work of another bookseller to insure that the Bookshop portal is promoted to
our community.
Libro.fm is an independent bookstore’s answer to Audible. The marketing position will insure that
the store’s readership is knowledgeable of Libro.fm and will continue promotions accordingly.
Bookselling
The successful candidate will also be a bookseller. For people who are avid readers, working in a
bookstore is often a dream come true – you’re surrounded by books! Nevertheless, there isn’t a lot
of reading that goes on in a bookseller’s store world! The job demands a careful attention to
customers, greeting them, talking with them about what they like to read, and ultimately selling
them books they’ll love!
Mystery to Me is known for our post-it note reviews that are placed on books throughout the store.
It is critical that every bookseller take time to tag books that they’ve read or are reading so that our
customers can know a little bit more about why we chose a particular book to be in the store. (In
addition, there is a popular staff-pick section)
Booksellers are expected to understand all opening and closing procedures.
Booksellers are also expected to understand special orders procedures – including processing mail
orders, special orders via phone or email, and troubleshooting as necessary.
Qualifications
Strong communication skills (e.g., facilitate author interviews, communicate with publisher
representatives, etc.)
Willingness to work autonomously and also be part of a team
Available to work flexible hours for hosting events
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Ability to learn and manage new technology (the store’s POS system is Booklog)
Ability to update the store’s website
Ability to work under pressure and deal with ambiguity
Prerequisites Desired
Familiarity with the book industry, especially in terms of independent bookstore retail sales.
Experience with book-related events programming and/or marketing.
Interest in a long-term career in bookstores.
The successful candidate will be an avid reader.
Physical demands and work environment
The position often requires the ability to lift cartons of books often weighing more than 30 pounds
each. It also requires the ability to climb up and down ladders to reach and/or shelve inventory.
About our Store
Founded in 2013, Mystery to Me has evolved from a store selling primarily mystery, to a small,
general independent bookstore. We curate a wide selection of mystery which is complemented by a
generous selection of literary fiction, NYT best-sellers, Indie Next Picks, local author titles, and books
from small presses that we enjoy handselling to our customers. We also offer a delightful selection
of children and young adult titles.