Milkweed seeks a part-time Warehouse Associate and Bookseller. Milkweed Editions is an independent literary press. A nonprofit organization, our mission is to identify, nurture and publish transformative literature, and build an engaged community around it. Milkweed Books is our brick-and-mortar store located in Open Book. Curation in our store prioritizes originality, marginalized voices, and books exploring our relationship to place and the more-than-human world. We also act as a resource for the neighborhood growing around us—a site of connection, community, and exploration.
We are looking for a flexible part-time Warehouse Associate & Bookseller to staff the store and events, as well as implement warehouse mailings, totaling about 15-25 hours per week. This role will be expected to be available Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, including evenings, with flexibility week to week. Compensation is $17/hour.
Our ideal applicant has:
- Retail and/or hospitality experience, preferably in bookselling or event coordination
- Knowledge of and enthusiasm for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction in alignment with the mission of Milkweed Editions, both in the current publishing landscape at large and within the Twin Cities literary community
- An independent, problem-solving, go-getter attitude
- Proficiency with technology and detail-oriented systems
- Skills in handselling, providing and writing recommendations, and delivering excellent customer service
- Strong communication and organizational skills, and an adeptness in working both cooperatively and independently
- An eagerness to assist in delivering exceptional events
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Operating a cash register, making change, and processing sales
- Selling books at author events and assisting with the setup/teardown
- Operating point of sales and inventory management systems
- Lifting/moving boxes or furniture weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Organizing and alphabetizing stock
- Serving as a public-facing representative of Milkweed Editions
- Processing and fulfilling orders
- Packing and shipping individual and bulk mailings
- Receiving and processing new inventory
To apply, please submit a resume and a list of three titles that represent what you love to read, with 2-3 lines per book about why you chose each one, and any other details you would like us to know about you. No cover letter necessary. Materials should be submitted through Milkweed Editions Submittable page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission is strongly encouraged. This position has an expected start date in January 2025.