Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, religion, or other protected classes.
About Our Organization: Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse is a retail bookstore and tea cafe located in Los Alamos, New Mexico, 45 minutes from Santa Fe and Taos as well as various other regional cultural hubs. Los Alamos is located on the Pajarito Plateau at 7300 feet of elevation with easy access to local skiing, hiking, and other outdoor recreational activities.
All positions are in-person and on site at our location, unless otherwise indicated. Our retail location is in Central Park Square, a complex of restaurants, retail, and offices located in downtown Los Alamos. Events are held on and off site, throughout Los Alamos County at various parks, fields, and buildings, as well as regionally with partners. Applicants will be expected to be available for on and off site events as the role requires.
If you need assistance completing an application or with an interview, please contact owner Jill Lang at admin@samizdatbookstore.com
Our organization works with customers, partners, and staff from diverse backgrounds and has a zero tolerance policy for harassment or hate speech.
Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse - Operations Lead
Job Summary
The operations lead is responsible for assisting the Owner in daily operations of Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse including developing and managing the website, maintaining book and other retail inventory, invoicing, and executing programming internal and on site, as well as on/off site with our external partners throughout the year. The person in this position will work directly with the general public, publishing industry representatives, Samizdat staff, as well as other small business, non-profit, and government partners. Some point-of-sale operations, customer service, and light kitchen duties such as preparing drinks will be required.
Essential Duties and Functions
Oversees facets of store operations including selecting and managing inventory, which includes frontlist, backlist, and sideline ordering.
Develops content for and manages public facing website using the Bookmanager point-of-sale and website hosting platform.
Works with Marketing and Design Lead to coordinate frequent website updates to reflect current inventory and marketing promotions.
Works with Publisher Representatives to plan inventory, events, and signed first edition releases. Works within a budget to plan seasonal orders.
Effectively communicates upcoming inventory, publisher events, and signed first edition opportunities to Marketing and Design Lead.
Develops and maintains new and existing relationships with community partners to plan external events such as book signings, festivals, and other outreach opportunities.
Develops industry relationships to grow corporate, institutional, and other bulk sales.
Assists in communicating events to the public.
Communicates effectively with staff and external partners and manages workflow with multiple ongoing projects.
Background check clearance.
Ability to obtain a New Mexico Food Handler’s license within one month of hire.
Is available during weekdays and during weekend events when needed.
Maintains a professional relationship with customers, staff, and community partners.
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in humanities or related studies, or equivalent in field experience.
Experience working in retail or similar customer-facing organizations.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
Experience in managing websites and inventory.
Experience with point-of-sale systems and handling sales transactions.
Experience in event planning and community collaborations.
Good teamwork skills.
Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
Computer skills
Working knowledge of the Google Office Suite.
Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and work with tech support.
Comfortable learning new software.
New Mexico State Driver’s license.
The ideal candidate lives within a 40 mile radius of Los Alamos or has plans to relocate to Los Alamos within the next six calendar months.
Organizational Structure
Reports to and works with Owner to plan inventory, conduct ordering, and design and maintain the website.
Collaborates with Marketing and Design Lead to maintain a comprehensive calendar and communicate inventory and events to the public.
Collaborates with partners on external programming and events.
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 retail floor and kitchen, preparing and serving light food and beverage, operating a computer and other office equipment. Should be able to work in a variety of environments including retail sales floor, kitchen, as well as various partner spaces in the local and regional area. Tasks may include lifting (under 40 pounds), standing for extended periods of time, using stairs, and maintaining a hygienic environment. Must be comfortable in frequently loud, bustling environments. Must be available during large events.
Hiring Range: $18-22 per hour commensurate with experience and according to Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse’s staff salary schedule.
This is a part time (28 hours) position in Los Alamos, NM. The expected workday will be 4 days per week, 7 hours per day. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to attend occasional events scheduled on evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume in PDF format to admin@samizdatbookstore.com. Applications will be accepted and interviews conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Expected start date January 2025. In your cover letter, please address:
Why are you interested in working for Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse and in this job in particular?
What about your experience makes you the 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 collaborative projects. Explain how your experience makes you suitable for both styles of work.