"Bookseller"

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.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: 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; and ability to stand for extended periods of time, regularly and repeatedly lift up to 40lbs, climb ladders, bend, crouch, and kneel. PREFERRED: 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); and a minimum of one year working in a bookstore or other retail environment.

Must have flexible scheduling and be available to work evenings and weekends. Current MIT Press Bookstore hours are Monday through Friday 10:00am until 6:00 pm; hours are subject to change as business dictates.

This is a part-time, in-person position (17 hours per week) and is not benefits eligible.