Member Relations Manager & Special Projects Assistant

ABA’s Member Relations Manager & Special Projects Assistant is part of the ABA Membership Team. Each member of this team is responsible for outreach and support of members in their assigned region, acting as those members’ primary contact, as well as responsible for another important aspect of membership work. Individuals on the ABA Membership Team work to ensure member engagement, satisfaction, and access to resources, education, and information. This role is also responsible for supporting several special projects throughout the year. They report directly to the Director of Membership. The ideal candidate is a self-directed data enthusiast who loves books and bookstores, and has experience with CRM systems.

The essential functions of this job include the following:

• Develop strong relationships with bookstores and booksellers.
• Manage a portfolio of bookstore accounts as their primary liaison with ABA.
• Process new membership applications and corresponding data entry.
• Provide technical support to members and facilitate access to resources and activities.
• Respond to bookstores’ inquiries about new and evergreen programs and services.
• Assist in the organization, maintenance, storage, and presentation of ABA’s data.
• Prepare regular, periodic, and ad-hoc membership reports.
• Administrative support for Bookstore Tours, JP Bonus Program, Independent Bookstore Day and other special ad-hoc projects as needed.
• Travel to regional and national meetings and events as needed.
• Additional job duties may be assigned.

Required experience and skills include:

• Passion for independent bookstores and/or books
• Highly organized and able to independently and effectively manage short- and long-term projects; strong project management and self-direction
• Ability to work efficiently and handle tight deadlines and changing needs
• Demonstrated experience providing excellent customer service in a calm, empathetic manner
• Concise and clear communication skills via email, phone, and person-to-person
• Proficient computer skills with an emphasis on Google Suite and Microsoft Office, especially Excel
• Bachelor’s or associate's degree, or equivalent (comparable nontraditional self-education, i.e. lifelong learner, certificates and/or classes, or work, volunteer, or internship experience equivalent)

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• CRM or other database experience (CiviCRM preferred but please apply if others)

Location: Remote. This position will require domestic travel a few times of year for periods of 3-5 days, and 2 times/year for periods of 7–10 days. During those times some nights and weekends will be required.

Compensation: $54k a year. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid sick days, holidays, vacation, and personal days; and a 401k.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Close mental and visual attention required to perform work dealing primarily with preparing and analyzing data and figures, using a computer terminal, and/or extensive reading.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear. Must be able to do repetitive motion of hands or wrists, finger, grasp, handle, or feel; push and pull with arms; reach with arms and/or hands; crouch, bend, or kneel. Occasionally may need to climb.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 10 lbs.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter that speaks to why you want this job; your previous professional and/or personal experience supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the workplace and/or your community; and your interest in independent bookstores; as well as your resume to Ryan Quinn, Director of Membership through our application form. Applications will be accepted until the role is filled, with a projected start date in September. Please review ABA’s full values statement before applying.

Equal Opportunity:

ABA believes diversity and diverse perspectives make our organization stronger and we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age; ethnicity; color; race; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity and/or expression; marital, civil union, or domestic partnership status; past or present military service; physical, mental, or sensory disability; national, social, or ethnic origin; neurodiversity; pregnancy; family or parental status; and/or genetic information (including family medical history).

About ABA:

American Booksellers Association is a national trade association that supports and advocates for the success of independent bookstores. We provide members with education, networking opportunities, advocacy, resources, and technology. In turn our members support local schools through book fairs, donations and author visits; promote literacy; provide inclusive community centers; connect readers and books; add character to neighborhoods; champion and center diverse and new voices; and contribute to the local economy. We feel honored to support them in their work.

Important Note:

If you are passionate about ABA’s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role even if you don’t check all the boxes, please apply. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.