We Are Hiring

Supported Events Bookseller

Politics and Prose Bookstore is seeking Supported Events Booksellers for their offsite events. This is a part-time (25 events or more per year, generally lasting 3-5 hours each) hourly, non-exempt position that reports to the Director of Supported Events. This position involves working offsite on events that occur days, nights, and weekends.  

Supported Events Booksellers play an important role in conducting book sales at all offsite customer events where they also serve as ambassadors of the Politics and Prose brand in the greater Washington community. Such events include house parties, lecture series, think tank talks, book festivals, conferences, and the like. These events can range in size from 100 people at a house party to thousands of attendees at festivals and conferences.  

Duties will include but are not limited to:  

  • Setting up and organizing book displays at offsite event venues  
  • Conducting credit card and cash transactions at events using tablets and the Square system  
  • Resolving customer issues and handling any book-sale related problems at events with office personnel as back-up if necessary  
  • Performing post event sales and inventory reconciliations 

Job Requirements:

  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills  
  • Highly organized and detail oriented  
  • Creative problem solving skills  
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure, think on one’s feet, and feel comfortable going to new places, often solo  
  • Team-oriented with a can-do, pitch-in attitude  
  • Working knowledge of Outlook, Google Docs, and Square is a plus  
  • Ability to lift and move multiple boxes of books weighing between 20-40 pounds
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends
  • Ability to work two to three events per month
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time  
  • Valid driver’s license required and willingness to drive the small company van

Complete and submit the online application and email a resume and a brief introduction to Jobs@politics-prose.com.

Children and Teens Bookseller

 

Politics and Prose Bookstore on Connecticut Avenue NW is seeking Children and Teens Department full-time bookseller (40 hours per week). This is a fast-paced, customer service oriented position. Booksellers are responsible for ensuring that department operations run smoothly. It’s an engaging work environment that offers a varied workday ranging from assisting customers of all ages to shelving and organizing book displays. The job requires excellent customer service skills, interest in books for children and teens, and the ability to perform physically and mentally challenging tasks.  

Duties will include but are not limited to: 

  • Assisting customers with book selections 
  • Operating cash registers and answering phones  
  • Carrying and unpacking boxes 
  • Shelving books
  • Designing and maintaining displays   
  • Reading a variety of children and teens backlist and frontlist titles
  • Maintaining knowledge of department inventory
  • Writing book reviews for the website and department newsletters 
  • Hosting author events 

Job requirements:

  • Retail or customer service experience required
  • Have a genuine interest in children and teens books
  • Ability to multitask
  • Attention to detail
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to learn new systems
  • A cooperative spirit and goal-oriented attitude
  • Ability to lift at 25-40 lbs.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends
  • Experience with children and/or teens a plus

Complete and submit the online application and email a resume and a brief introduction to Jobs@politics-prose.com.

Coffeehouse Manager

Politics and Prose has an opening for a Coffeehouse Manager. This position is full-time (40 hours per week) position that reports to the Chief Operating Officer. The Coffeehouse Manager is responsible for overseeing operations of the coffeehouse, which is known as The Den and located at Politics and Prose’s Connecticut Avenue NW store. The coffeehouse not only offers drinks, pastries, and assorted other food items, but also serves as a neighborhood gathering spot and special events venue.   

Responsibilities of the Coffeehouse Manager include but are not limited to: 

  • Overseeing coffeehouse operations; 
  • Developing and implementing seasonal food and beverage menu changes; 
  • Scheduling coffeehouse staff; 
  • Supervising the training and performance of coffeehouse staff; 
  • Ensuring that The Den is in compliance with all relevant health and regulatory statutes;
  • Monitoring the supplies of beverages and food and restocking as needed; 
  • Communicating with vendors to coordinate food and beverage deliveries; 
  • Working either front-of-house or back-of-house positions as needed; 
  • Maintaining a clean, friendly, and inviting space for the community; 
  • Working with other P&P departments to collaborate on coffeehouse matters;
  • Serving as P&P’s link to the larger specialty coffee community by staying up to date with news or events; 
  • Working with the COO to coordinate and execute special event rentals in the coffeehouse. 

Requirements: 

  • Experience managing or supervising a foodservice or coffeehouse establishment required;
  • Experience with Square POS; 
  • Excellent customer service skills;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  • Ability to lift and carry at least 40 lbs;
  • A current DC ABRA Manager’s license or ability to acquire one upon employment;  
  • A current DOH Food Handler’s license or ability to acquire one upon employment;
  • Availability to work nights and weekends.

Complete and submit the online application and email a resume and a brief introduction to Jobs@politics-prose.com

Weborders Bookseller

Politics and Prose is looking for a Weborders Bookseller. This is a full-time (40 hours per week), non-exempt position, based at the Connecticut Ave. location, that will report to the Ecommerce Manager. A Weborders Bookseller is responsible for processing orders placed through the Politics and Prose website.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

  • Sort the orders queue, pull books to fulfill orders, place special orders, process and close orders
  • Prepare orders for shipping
  • Monitor the web orders email inbox and respond to inquiries and customer questions 
  • Assist customers by phone and/or email
  • Assist staff with questions related to online orders
  • Work with other departments on website and web order matters

Requirements:

  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to see “the big picture”
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Comfortable learning new technology and online systems
  • Able to handle high pressure situations
  • Able to adapt and adjust to changing situations and priorities
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Excellent problem solving skills
  • Strong organization and prioritization skills
  • Ability to work independently and with a team
  • Able to lift and carry at least 40 lbs.
  • Able to work weekends
  • Experience with Indie Commerce and Authorize.net preferred

How to Apply:

Complete and submit the online application and email a resume and a brief introduction to Jobs@politics-prose.com.

ONLINE APPLICATION

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