Marketing Manager

Overview

Harvard Book Store, founded in 1932, is an iconic independent bookstore located in Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It has a national reputation for its curated selection of books and gift items, excellent customer service, and an event series comprising well over 300 book talks and other activities throughout the year. We also operate a warehouse in Needham, MA which is periodically opened to the public for sales of heavily discounted books. We have a large mailing list and social media presence.

Harvard Book Store is seeking a Manager to lead our marketing efforts. This is a full-time, salaried position reporting to the General Manager (GM). This position is responsible for partnering internally with our Events team and other departments, and externally with customers, media organizations, and partners. The ideal candidate is creative and highly organized with great attention to detail. The Marketing Manager will manage the work of a Marketing Coordinator and the efforts of outside creative professionals and other consultants.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Leading the Harvard Book Store’s marketing efforts, and coordinating with other managers and staff to ensure a consistent message and tone that reflects the brand and history as a landmark independent bookstore
• Supervising company messaging and design—including messaging on our website, harvard.com; email newsletters and marketing with MailChimp; social media accounts including Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and TikTok; promotional print material; promotional advertising and partnerships
• Overseeing the development of all graphic material—for newsletters, social media, web, print, Harvard Book Store–branded merchandise, as well as in-store and event signage (both print and digital)
• Coordinating with all departments to identify their marketing and communication needs; including events, pre-order campaigns, new and featured titles, staff recommendations, web promotions, subscription clubs, warehouse sales, and customer service initiatives
• Working with the GM to develop a marketing budget and assess the effectiveness of various marketing initiatives
• Managing and responding to social media inquiries and online reviews
• Tracking and promoting bookstore memberships and subscriptions
• Continued development and expansion of marketing calendar and media contact list
• Identifying and helping to develop partnerships to increase event audiences, in-store purchases, and online sales
• Writing and distributing press releases; responding to press inquiries; cultivating and expanding opportunities to promote Harvard Book Store with local media and trade press
• Engaging with Harvard Book Store staff to keep them informed of departmental activities, engage with their ideas, and collect information and imagery that can be highlighted on social media or in newsletters
• Maintaining awareness of market conditions and platforms as well as industry trends and best practices

Experience

An ideal candidate will have:

• A love and knowledge of books, bookstores, and literature
• 2-3 years of marketing experience
• Experience and comfort taking initiative, working autonomously and proactively
• Ability to prioritize and problem solve
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and management skills
• Strong organization, project management, and multitasking skills
• Familiarity with graphic design and digital media, including simple digital photography and videography
• Interest in social media and marketing trends
• A keen eye for detail and proofing
• Creative thinking

We recognize that many women, members of historically marginalized or underrepresented groups, and those with untraditional backgrounds may be less likely to apply when they do not possess all ideal skills and experience. We encourage applicants to apply if they meet most, if not all, skills and experience.

Benefits and Schedule

Salary: $50,000-$55,000, commensurate with experience

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position. The Marketing Manager will generally work 9:00AM-5:00PM Monday-Friday, with the potential for occasional weekend or evening hours. The position will work out of an office in Harvard Square with regular visits to our store locations, and with the opportunity for occasional remote work. There will be occasions that may call for visits to off-site events.

Benefits include: medical, vision, and dental insurance; vacation, sick, and personal paid time off; a store discount; and a company-managed 401(k).

How to Apply

Harvard Book Store is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applicants regardless of ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Send your resume and cover letter to apply@harvard.com.

Candidates should be prepared during the interview to demonstrate how they understand our identity. To evaluate creativity and their sense of brand identity, candidates should prepare an example idea of how they would execute marketing for Harvard Book Store.

About Harvard Book Store

Harvard Book Store operates an academic and general-interest bookstore in Cambridge, a warehouse in Needham, and an e-commerce platform at harvard.com. Harvard Book Store was founded in 1932 in Harvard Square and is known as an innovator in the field of bookselling, celebrated for its inventory of new, used, and remainder books. The store is renowned for its award-winning author event series, hosting hundreds of book talks, both on-site and off-site in Boston and Cambridge. Over the years the store has been recognized by local polls and publications, including Boston magazine's "Best Bookstore" (2014), "Best Literary Series" (2017, 2018), "Best Neighborhood Shop" (2019), and "Best Virtual Author Series" (2020, 2021), and “Best Old-School Bookstore” (2022).

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cambridge, MA 02138