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Careers at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore

Thank you for your interest in joining the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore Team.

Open Positions:

Position: Lead Technology Sales Associate
Location: Middletown, CT

We are looking for a results-driven retail professional. This FULL-TIME key-holder position must have a comprehensive knowledge and expertise of the technology products sold in our locations, including but not limited to Apple™ iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and more. You will advise and assist customers, providing knowledgeable consultative solutions for our entire customer base. In addition, this position is responsible for visual merchandising and displays, receiving purchase orders, pricing, and more.

Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore offers textbooks, course materials, and trade books, technology, school supplies, clothing, regalia, and gifts. The Lead Technology Sales Associate must be knowledgeable of and a resource for all departments and students, model exceptional customer service, drive sales, and be a skillful problem solver. This position works closely with Wesleyan University colleagues and the RJ Julia Booksellers operations management team, including the Campus Store and Main Street Store Managers.

Responsibilities:

  • Key-Holder: complete or supervise all store opening and closing procedures as scheduled.
  • Provide ongoing training/education on our technology offerings for all staff.
  • Execute merchandising standards, promotion standards, and create displays.
  • Follow all of directives included with the responsibility of being an authorized AppleTM Campus Store.
  • Maintain store appearance and cleanliness.
  • Prepare merchandise and textbooks for physical (manual and/or automated) inventories, and/pr returns.
  • Assist customers.
  • Other related duties as required.

Skill Requirements:

  • Commitment to learning about technology and new products.
  • Retail experience ideal; AppleTM Store retail experience is a plus.
  • Experience using a Point of Sales-system.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills essential.
  • Good organizational skills and ability to work well with the public essential.
  • Must be able to work independently.

Shifts will include nights and weekends and will vary seasonally between our Main Street and Campus locations.

To apply, please send a brief cover letter which describes your relevant experience and a copy of your resume to books@rjjulia.com with Lead Technology Sales Associate in the subject line.

Position: Events Specialist
Location: Madison, CT; Middletown, CT

This is a part-time position.

RJ Julia Booksellers is looking for an organized, responsible, creative, and dynamic problem-solver to join our talented Events Team. This position is responsible for independent event management, i.e. setting up and hosting author readings/book signings/events. RJ Julia manages over 250+ events annually, ranging from 15 to 1000+ participants.

The hours for this position are mostly in the afternoon/evening, with some weekends, and will vary week to week. Events are held at both our Madison and Middletown locations, as well as off-site locations state-wide, and virtually through Zoom. The candidate that will thrive in this position will have excellent attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and exceptional interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities:

  • Execute events in a style that provides a unique and enjoyable customer experience – to inspire loyalty and return visits from our current customers and attract new visitors to the store.
  • Oversee all event set-up and breakdown, including but not limited to moving furniture and setting up chairs, book displays, and audio-visual equipment.
  • Welcome authors and guests as they arrive; introduce the author(s) at the beginning of the event.
  • Manage the timeline of the event and oversee the book signing portion of the event.
  • Track book sales and attendance. Take photos/video for use on social media.

Required Qualifications:

  • Previous event management experience preferred.
  • Ability to problem solve in fast paced environments.
  • Comfort with speaking in front of a variety of crowd sizes.
  • Must be comfortable standing for extended periods of time and can lift and carry 50lbs.
  • Ability to multi-task: manage and prioritize a variety of in-the-moment event related tasks.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
  • Applicants must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and have a comfort level with Zoom/Skype.
  • Book Lover: Since we're in the business of books, ideal applicants will share our enthusiasm for the business.

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

Position: Just the Right Book! Customer Support Specialist

Location: Madison, CT

This is a part-time position.

RJ Julia Booksellers seeks a driven, hands-on, collaborator to assist the Operations Manager in overseeing our Just the Right Book! (JTRB) personalized subscription program. Reporting directly to the JTRB Operations Manager, the Customer Support Specialist oversees all aspects of customer service and inventory management of this renowned, personalized subscription program while assisting the Operations Manager with daily fulfillment duties.

Responsibilities::

  • Acts as Customer Service point of contact for subscriber questions, issues, exchanges, and general inquiries both live on the phone and electronically via email.
  • Receives and manages incoming shipments; oversees storage and organization of books and supplies; manages book inventory using proprietary software.
  • Assists the Operations Manager with the daily operations of the program, including performing fulfillment activities with the use of custom software(s) as well as manual processes related to order shipment preparations. 
  • Works with packers and shippers to ensure timely shipment and delivery of books to subscribers.
  • Reports directly to the JTRB Operations Manager. This position does not manage direct reports but oversees part-time staff and daily activities when the Operations Manager is not present.

Required Qualifications:

  • Excellent communicator able to clearly address subscriber questions and to patiently research and resolve subscriber issues and complaints to completion and have the ability to prioritize customers' needs at each step of the subscription process.
  • Experience with retail store programs and/or with subscription programs/services would be ideal. Bookselling experience is a plus.
  • Ability to keep detailed records and follow through to maintain accurate records.
  • Ability to work well in both a self-motivated and team environment, as well as across various roles and departments.
  • Knowledge of Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, WordPress, WooCommerce, and overall comfort with online cloud-based software(s).
  • Schedule: Part-time, 10-15 hours weekly. Although there is some flexibility, the approximate weekly requirements to align with our shipping and receiving schedules are as follows:
    • Monday: 4 hours, roughly between 10am and 2pm
    • Tuesday or Wednesday: any 3-hour block between 10am and 4pm
    • Friday: 3-4 hours roughly between 10am and 2pm
  • This is a year-round position. During our busiest times, November to April, the position might average 15-18 hrs/wk. During our quieter times, May to October, the position might average 10-12 hrs/wk.
  • Physical: Ability to lift and move boxes weighing up to 35lbs.

At Just the Right Book! by RJ Julia Booksellers we believe that the right book in the right hands can change the world. Just the Right Book! is a book subscription service by RJ Julia Booksellers, a brick-and-mortar independent bookstore in Madison, CT. For over 30 years, customers have loved visiting RJ Julia Booksellers for staff suggestions. Readers stop in to read the shelf talkers, browse displays, and talk with our talented staff of booksellers. This is how they discover exciting new titles, discover which books will appeal to their reading style, and find the book that might entertain, enlighten, or delight them. Visitors ask RJ Julia Booksellers to select books for their voracious reading husband, their new grandchild, or their best friend, and RJ Julia has always been happy to offer that service. That’s why in 2009, RJ Julia founder Roxanne J. Coady launched a subscription service that does just that: Just the Right Book! by RJ Julia Booksellers. In a world dominated by algorithms, think of Just the Right Book! as your personal book stylist.

To apply, please email your resume and a cover letter to support@justtherightbook.com.

Position: Bookseller
Location: Middletown, CT

Our Booksellers are the heart and soul of the bookstore. If hired, you'll be joining a very special group of people who are passionate about providing top-notch service to our loyal customers, which include Wesleyan University students, faculty, and staff, as well as Greater Middletown community members.

Our Booksellers are dynamic and energetic with a broad knowledge of books; are customer service oriented; have the ability to multi-task; and have great attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Booksellers will work across store departments including course materials/textbooks, technology and school supplies, children’s books, and more.

This is an entry level position and shifts will include nights and weekends.

Please note, we are not accepting applications at this time. Thank you for your interest!

Events