House of SpeakEasy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) literary nonprofit based in New York City, is seeking a detail-oriented and self-motivated Bookmobile Coordinator to work as part of our team. The Bookmobile Coordinator will manage on-site operations and partnership details for SpeakEasy’s Bookmobile initiative, a mobile book giveaway unit that is part of the organization’s larger outreach initiatives to connect writers and audiences. They will work closely with a small programming, development, and marketing team to produce a series of outings for the Bookmobile in collaboration with organizations such as the New York City Housing Authority and nonprofit partners. This is a seasonal position with the possibility of continued year-round engagement.
Responsibilities include:
- Manage Bookmobile outings on-site, directing staff and volunteers and ensuring that all functions happen according to plan. The coordinator will:
- Help driver with parking (working with on-site contact)
- Set up bookmobile on site (display books, set up chalk-boards, chairs/tables, and any marketing materials appropriate for the event)
- Breakdown displays at the end of event
- Be available for all (or most) bookmobile outings. Outings happen primarily but not exclusively on weekends from May through October and require the Coordinator to travel throughout the 5 boroughs of New York City. A typical Bookmobile outing is 5-6 hours. The Coordinator could expect to work 15-20 hours per week during the season.
- Be the primary representative of House of SpeakEasy onsite at Bookmobile outings, answering questions from the public and directing other House of SpeakEasy team members (Bookmobile driver, Bookmobile outreach personnel) as to their duties.
- Create and maintain Bookmobile book inventory list. Prior to each Bookmobile outing, ensure that the truck is stocked with appropriate material based on the destination, event audience, and other parameters as specified by the Program Manager.
- Order books as necessary, coordinating with Program Manager on budget or seeking donations from publisher, where appropriate.
- Establish relationships with onsite partners, including parks department representatives, neighborhood associations, community partners and in some cases bookstores.
- Ensure that photos and videos are taken onsite at all Bookmobile outings and maintain photo & video assets for fundraising and promotional purposes
- Periodically conduct interviews with Bookmobile visitors for feedback on the program; report feedback to Program Manager
- Create post-outing reports for Program Manager
Skills
- Detail-oriented and conscientious, quick learner, with a passion for books and community engagement
- Resourceful and creative, demonstrates initiative and seeks to help wherever needed
- Proficient with Google Suite
- Punctual and able to juggle a busy schedule
- General knowledge of contemporary authors and current book releases; familiarity with literary organizations and publications helpful
- Able to lift boxes of books weighing up to 40 pounds and to stand for long periods of time at Bookmobile outings
- Driver’s license with clean record and experience driving a small truck is desired but not essential.