Chief Operating Officer

Lovestruck Books is a Cambridge-based, woman-owned, one-of-a-kind romance bookstore and cafe that celebrates love in all its forms. We specialize in romance literature -- one of the fastest-growing literary genres -- while creating a warm and inclusive space for community, conversation, and connection. Since our launch in December 2024, we have rapidly grown – carrying 12,000 titles, hosting over 125 events, and becoming a destination for romance fans. We’ve received notable recognition – including winning Best of Boston and being featured in regional and national press – and continue to build a loyal following and vibrant brand in the Cambridge area and beyond.

At this exciting time in our evolution, we are hiring a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as the #2 to the Founder, run day-to-day operations, and co-create the strategy for future growth. This position will lead teams, optimize systems, manage key partnerships, and ensure the business runs with both heart and rigor. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone eager to scale a values-driven startup, build a unique brand, and join a passionate team that blends expertise, creativity, and deep love for what we do.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Drive operational excellence, organizational resilience, and sustainability through oversight of core business functions.

• Build out strategies, systems, and SOPs (inclusive of in-store and back-end operations) to advance enhanced efficiencies, financial health, and revenue growth.
• Oversee the creation of short- and long-term goals in collaboration with the Founder, develop and track key performance metrics to gain insights into drivers of costs, revenue, and profitability.
• Lead annual budgeting processes and forecasts, monitor spending, and support functional leads in managing their specific budget lines.
• Provide hands-on leadership for a 15-member team comprised of retail, book buying, inventory management, events, and marketing staff and consultants. Coach and mentor the management team to hone their skills and step into their authority.
• Enhance the annual staff review processes to systematically support the growth and evaluate the performance of all team members.
• Manage relationships and contracts with external vendors, including legal, accounting, and marketing consultants, benefits broker, and the in-store George Howell café.
• Serve as an enthusiastic spokesperson for Lovestruck Books, both regionally and nationally, engaging directly with the local community, media, and strategic partners.
• In close partnership with marketing and event teams, ensure brand consistency and outward facing messaging is aligned to brand values.
• Oversee and support the events team in the production of a variety of events, including attending frequent in-store events on evenings and weekends.
• Operate from a place that centers Lovestruck Books’ mission and values, and promotes a culture of accountability, innovation, inclusion, and joy.

Co-create and champion the roadmap for continued growth, scalability, and success.

• Collaborate with and serve as a thought partner to the Founder, balancing creative thinking and vision with business management best practices.
• Evaluate emerging opportunities and new business initiatives to ensure they align with the long-term priorities of the store and deliver a high ROI.
• Partner with the Founder to design optimal staffing structure, determining strategic placement of full-time roles versus part-time and consultant positions for sustainable growth.
• Monitor and refine operating model and performance to inform the development of future growth targets and KPIs.

WHO YOU ARE

• You are inspired by Lovestruck Book’s mission and values. You are energized to join a team that celebrates the romance genre and community. You thrive in a start-up environment that values inclusivity and representation, community building, professional expertise, continuous growth, and joy.
• You are a seasoned manager with exceptional business chops. You bring 15+ years of work experience, including 5+ in a leadership role. with demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of running a business. Start-up and/or experience growing a business is required.
• You are a hands-on people leader who leverages individuals' strengths and fosters collaboration. You have experience in recruiting and hiring talent, building strong teams, and coaching and mentoring direct and indirect reports for high performance, accountability, and satisfaction. You create inclusive work environments and model a commitment to teamwork.
• You are a “big picture” thinker with the ability to implement tactically. You bring analytical and data-driven rigor to decision making and translating strategic plans into effective work streams and tactics. You create structures, processes, and procedures that help organizations do their best work. You seamlessly toggle between strategy and execution.
• You are an outstanding communicator and relationship builder who develops rapport easily and inspires trust. You have a warm, energetic, and authentic personality that translates to building lasting relationships. You convey information clearly and demonstrate deep listening and high emotional intelligence in your interactions with others.
• You are an unflappable problem solver, who calmly and confidently navigates challenges. You exercise good judgment and are able to make decisions both independently and collaboratively. You are a hands-on leader, roll up your sleeves to get things done, and stay focused and nimble in an entrepreneurial environment.

You are a positive force for organizational growth, change, and excellence. You embrace and lead through change, modeling adaptability and a high level of awareness of how change impacts others. You are energized by what's possible while working on what needs to be done today.

The following qualifications, experience, and knowledge are nice to have, but not required:

• MBA or equivalent educational or work experience
• Experience in retail business operations, including brick-and-mortar and e-commerce
• Experience with B Corps, social enterprises, or other mission-driven organizations

WORK ENVIRONMENT, SALARY, AND BENEFITS

This is a hybrid position with primarily based at Lovestruck Books’ location in Harvard Square. This role requires availability during nights, weekends, and holidays for special events as needed. Total compensation is in the range of $175,000 - $200,000.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Lovestruck Books is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment for all—both our team and our customers. As a woman-founded independent bookstore devoted to celebrating love in all its forms, we take pride in curating a catalog that amplifies underrepresented voices. From LGBTQ+ authors to writers of color and those across the gender identity and sexuality spectrum, we intentionally highlight stories in which everyone can see themselves reflected.

We actively seek team members who are passionate about serving a diverse audience and elevating a wide spectrum of romance storytelling. We hire and grow talent from varied communities, with the goal of reflecting the audience we serve. At Lovestruck, equity and inclusion shape everything we do—from the books we recommend to the culture we build.

Lovestruck Books has retained DH Search to lead the search for a Chief Operating Officer. DH Search partners with mission-driven organizations to hire the people they need to create a more just and equitable world. Learn more at www.dhsearch.net.