Friends of the Palo Alto Library Book Sales Manager - Palo Alto

POSITION SUMMARY

The Book Sales Manager is responsible for overseeing all activities of the operations of the bookrooms and other locations for the acquisition and sale of books and other materials by FOPAL. This includes managing the activities of the functions listed below, most of which are performed by well over 100 experienced volunteers. The Manager is responsible for allocating resources, enforcing policies, resolving conflicts, expediting procedures, communicating among all concerned and assuring a smooth operation. The Manager reports to the FOPAL Board and will be asked to attend those monthly meetings as requested and to provide needed information. Part to full time.

RESPONSIBILIITES

1) Staffing

a) Recruit, train and communicate with volunteers staffing a wide variety of positions.

i) Recruit and oversee a staff of volunteer managers with responsibility for functions such as donations and sorting, main room sections, bargain room, children’s room, training, communication, monthly and special sales oversight, permanent stores, communications and publicity, operations including transport and storage of books

ii) Identify and train volunteers to sort, price and shelve books for the sale. Give volunteers experience in different jobs so they can move into other areas.

iii) Provide meaningful and enjoyable jobs for high school students

iv) Manage day labor hired occasionally for big jobs.

v) Implement and maintain policies for hours, volunteer purchases, etc.

b) Manage internet and high value sales team, which consists of one paid employee and several volunteers. This team sells books on Amazon, eBay, at Pacific Book Auctions, and through other outlets.

2) Manage book flow.

a) Provide for movement of book boxes from sorting room to main room sections and to other sale rooms.

b) Coordinate workers who pickup from individual donors and from library branches.

c) Plan for large donations, e.g. schedule staff, packing, transport, and storage for large donations.

d) Plan for movement of books in and out of warehouse storage.

3) Site Efficiency

a) Decide how each room is utilized for maximum efficiency and ease of customer flow. Resolve competing needs for particular space.

b) Maintain system of phone answering and message taking

c) Oversee acquisition of office supplies, snacks and water for volunteers

d) Make sure adequate equipment is acquired and maintained with the Board set budget

e) Keep aisles, office, and other work areas clean and clear.

f) Coordinate building maintenance issues and recycling.

g) Work with Cubberley management and Library Director’s office as needed on facility issues.

4) Monthly Book Sale (second weekend each month)

a) Ensure adequate volunteer coverage for each sale and automate sign-up procedure

b) Help decide on monthly specials

c) Set policies for sale functions such as ticket line, number of books to be purchased in early hours, dealing with troublesome customers, gift certificates, member sales, etc.

d) Attend and oversee sale

e) Implement proper material, cash handling and financial record procedures so as to provide audit trail in accordance with Board policy

5) Permanent stores in Downtown and Mitchell Library branches.

a) Staffing, inventory, handling cash, merchandising (e.g. displays, signage), etc.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills, teamwork orientation, and ability to motivate wide range of people.
• A minimum of two years prior management or staff supervision experience. Prior experience in volunteer management highly desirable
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated writing
• Demonstrated ability to execute operational strategies and manage projects in a volunteer organization.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team and with all levels of staff, Board, membership and volunteers.
• Office software proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Database experience also a plus.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience

Position open until filled or withdrawn