Bookseller/Specialized Assistant – Albertine Books

Candidates must already have legal authorization to reside and work in the United States. This includes holding an A visa, a green card, U.S. citizenship, or a pending work permit for an already-approved green card. Only applicants meeting this requirement will be considered. Candidates must submit official documentation verifying their status as part of their application.

Candidates should address a CV and cover letter in both English and French by email to Miriam Gordis, Director of Albertine Books (miriam.gordis@albertine.com) and to the Human Resources Manager of the Secretary General of Villa Albertine (rh@villa-albertine.org) by end of day July 1^st 2025.

I. Brief Presentation

Albertine Books is a part of the Department of Books and Ideas at the Institut Français des États-Unis – Villa Albertine. Since September 2014, the bookstore has carried 15,000 French-language works and English translations of French texts for a Francophone audience or for anyone curious about French and Francophone writers.

Albertine Books is seeking a new Bookseller who is fluent in French and English and who is friendly, collaborative, and passionate about French and American literature. This position will report directly to the Director of the bookstore and will work in collaboration with the Deputy Director and the Book Department of Villa Albertine. They will participate in the daily operations of the bookstore and more specifically will work on school and independent bookstore partnerships.

II.  Job Description

• Assisting customers (greeting, providing information and advice, operating the cash register, and tracking orders)
• Supporting the bookstore’s logistics: receiving/shipping orders, shelving books, restocking, and overseeing stock management, including inventory, returns, processing books, and managing certain sections as needed.
• Contributing to the development of the bookstore’s event programming, under the supervision of the Book Department and in collaboration with the Development Department; assisting with literary events hosted by Villa Albertine.
• Working on our French Corner program, a partnership with independent American bookstores to help them promote and sell French-language works.
• Writing content for the bookstore’s website and communication materials (newsletter/social media), including recommendations and staff picks.
• Working at bookstore events (often in the early evening).
• Depending on experience and interest, this role may include other functions within the bookstore.

III. Profile Insights

Education/Experience

• Relevant work experience, preferably in a bookstore or in publishing.
• Translation, education, other retail, or similar experiences are also helpful.
• Familiarity with French and American literary culture.
• Familiarity with American book publishing.
• Experience using a cash register or with customer service.
• Knowledge of schoolbook fairs or educational programs.

Language Requirements

• English: Fluent
• French: Advanced professional competency

Professional Qualities

• Experience with Microsoft Office 365
• Experience with Canva, WordPress, or MailChimp would also be helpful.

Personal Qualities

• A kind and patient attitude towards customer service.
• This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, good time management, and a thorough approach.
• The bookstore has a small team that works very collaboratively but organizes their time management autonomously.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Must be comfortable sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

IV. Job Details

This is a full-time, in-person position at the Institut Français des Etats-Unis – Villa Albertine, 972 5th Avenue, New York NY 10075.

• Work team: Three people and support from two full-time interns
• The work week is 40 hours, excluding lunch breaks.
• There is a six-month trial period.
• The bookseller must be available to work Tuesdays to Saturdays.
• All work must be on site and in person.
• Our events calendar will require occasional evening work and may require some flexibility.
• Salary: $5,363 per month full-time with a monthly transportation allowance of $120.
• Vacation Plan: 25 days per year and 11 bank holidays.
• Medical and dental available and possible 401k participation.

V. About l’Institut Français des Etats-Unis – Villa Albertine

Villa Albertine is an institution of the French Embassy in the United States, supported by the French government and Albertine Foundation. Villa Albertine’s mission is to strengthen ties between the United States, France and the French-speaking world through culture and education.

In the arts and culture sphere, we encourage collaboration among French and US-based organizations and provide creators, thought leaders, and professionals with customized residencies, immersive networking experiences, grants, and connections to audiences so they can explore and share new insights into society’s pressing issues.

In the field of education, we craft projects and programs aimed at making French language and culture accessible to young US-based audiences, expand opportunities for students to study and complete internships in France, and support partnerships between French and American higher education and research institutions. 

Villa Albertine is present in 10 major US cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. It is headquartered in New York’s historic Payne Whitney mansion, home to Albertine, our bookshop and nexus for French-American intellectual exchange. (This last phrase can be replaced by a city-specific variation)

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