RJ Julia Booksellers – Events Manager (Full-Time)

 

RJ Julia Booksellers is seeking an energetic, outgoing, and detail-oriented individual to coordinate our extensive events schedule. This is a full-time job requiring excellent time management skills to oversee events for three distinct bookstore locations (RJ Julia Booksellers, Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, BookHampton). This position plays a prominent role in both the community and in the publishing industry, and is responsible for producing unique and exciting events that extend and represent the RJ Julia brand.  This leadership role will continue to innovate and enhance the role events have provided for our customers and publishers for almost 30 years.  The Events Manager position presents the unique opportunity to be in the center of the literary world, while requiring precise logistical management and coordination among the various stakeholders.

 

The Events Manager is responsible for coordinating over 350 events each year, including Independent Bookstore Day, Small Business Saturday, and a number of high-profile author events. The Events Manager communicates with publishers’ publicists, authors and authors’ agents, and local event partners to coordinate ALL the details of any given event.  Internally, this position coordinates with the Leadership team, the Marketing Manager, Event Book Buyers, and event staff to plan and execute successful events. 

 

The Events Manager will write and pitch event proposals to publishers and is responsible for venue relations, for creative collaborations, and for tracking the events’ results in terms of attendance, books sold, expenses, etc.

 

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and computer skills are required for this position, with an emphasis on highly effective writing skills. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Assume a dynamic public relations role on behalf of the Store(s) which contributes to positive, mutually beneficial relationships with publishers, authors, media personnel, the local community, and other key contacts. 

Propose and effectively pitch event concepts to publishers and authors to ensure that the Store(s) continues to offer unique event programming that is timely, engaging, and that sets RJ Julia apart from its competitors. 

Be a major presence in the industry with a solid reputation for producing dynamic, innovative events.

Present events in a style that provides a unique customer experience, inspiring loyalty and return visits from our current customers while also attracting new visitors to the Store(s).

Develop and execute all event activities: submit strong and distinctive event proposals to publishers, make various co-sponsoring and/or venue arrangements; generate and distribute event press releases; write and place ads; prepare related book orders for Buyers; create event tickets; coordinate mailings; oversee calendar creation, oversee website content specific to Events, oversee in-store merchandising; and more.

Re-confirm events with publishers, determine all author needs (travel arrangements, meals, other preferences), collect attendee data for marketing purposes, and manage book inventory for events.

Coordinate and oversee event staff coverage, including appropriate staff for the venue, and all set-up procedures to ensure that customers' service expectations are met.

Plan and implement Events schedules within established budget guidelines, report monthly forecasted events sales and report on actual sales event results once events are complete.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

 

In-depth understanding of the Store's philosophy, overall goals, and events-related service and marketing objectives.

Extensive knowledge of publishing, industry and media trends; competitors' practices and community related news and issues.   

Effective organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to think creatively and select or recommend events independent of multiple outside requests.

Ability to work with and coordinate a team of event staff.

Ability to work closely with and take direction from the Leadership team.

Proficient computer skills:  MS Office (particularly EXCEL); Wordstock (POS inventory system); Internet; E-Mail and store web site (content management system), Square POS system.

Provide constructive feedback on how the Store(s) might be improved; be a positive contributing member of the Leadership team; attend or initiate meetings, as required; volunteer support, whenever possible.

 

To apply, please send a brief cover letter which describes your relevant experience and copy of your resume to events@rjjulia.com.

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