Bookseller

MIT•Cambridge, MA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

BOOKSELLER , MIT Press , to be a motivated, customer-focused individual who performs a range of customer service, sales, merchandising, and clerical duties in a fast-paced retail environment at the MIT Press Bookstore. The MIT Press Bookstore has served the MIT community and the public since 1980, offering academic, professional, general interest, and children’s titles. In 2023, the bookstore launched an online retail site at mitpressbookstore.mit.edu. Will provide friendly, professional customer service in person, by phone, and via email; assist customers with book selection, purchases, and general MIT-area inquiries; process online orders, including packing and shipping via USPS, FedEx, and UPS; operate the point-of-sale system and handle cash and credit card transactions in accordance with store policies; open and close the bookstore as scheduled; represent the bookstore at off-site retail events, including evenings or weekends; maintain an organized and attractive sales floor through shelving, displays, cleaning, and inventory organization; receive, reorder, and inventory merchandise; enter bibliographic data for new titles; prepare daily sales reports and bank deposits; and make local campus deliveries and assist with returns and shipping.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
high organizational and communication skills and attention to detail
working knowledge of Windows, Excel, Outlook or other email program
ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment
ability to deal with confidential information and situations using discretion
ability to stand for extended periods of time, regularly and repeatedly lift up to 40lbs, climb ladders, bend, crouch, and kneel
Must have flexible scheduling and be available to work evenings and weekends

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the Institute and MIT Press publications
active interest in scholarly or nonfiction publishing
basic understanding of the Press’s scholarly disciplines (e.g., science, technology, linguistics, computer science, design)
a minimum of one year working in a bookstore or other retail environment

Responsibilities

provide friendly, professional customer service in person, by phone, and via email
assist customers with book selection, purchases, and general MIT-area inquiries
process online orders, including packing and shipping via USPS, FedEx, and UPS
operate the point-of-sale system and handle cash and credit card transactions in accordance with store policies
open and close the bookstore as scheduled
represent the bookstore at off-site retail events, including evenings or weekends
maintain an organized and attractive sales floor through shelving, displays, cleaning, and inventory organization
receive, reorder, and inventory merchandise
enter bibliographic data for new titles
prepare daily sales reports and bank deposits
make local campus deliveries and assist with returns and shipping