Director of Albertine Books

Start date: December 16, 2024

Potential candidates must be legally permitted to stay in and work for the Embassy of France in the United States (i.e. they must possess an A visa, green card, or American citizenship, or have a work permit pending acquisition of an already-granted green card). Only applications meeting this condition will be considered. The candidate should provide documentation attesting to the status presented above.

Please send your applications, comprising of a resume and application letter, in English and French, to the following address by November 8, 2024, at the latest: rh@villa-albertine.org (subject of email: Director of Albertine Bookshop application).

Brief Presentation

As part of Villa Albertine’s Books & Ideas Department, the Director of Albertine Books is responsible for the management, running, and development of the bookstore. She/he reports to the Director of the Books & Ideas Department. Albertine Books is part of Villa Albertine, The French Institute for Culture and Education, which strengthens ties between the US, France, and the French-speaking world by connecting people and institutions in the spheres of culture and education. Tucked inside the historic Payne Whitney mansion, Albertine Books is the only bookshop in New York devoted solely to books in French and English with more than 14,000 contemporary and classic titles from 30 French-speaking countries. It also hosts events and a book club.

Job Description

I. Develop the bookstore’s activity and further engage audiences:

• Define the bookstore’s editorial and commercial policy and grow in-store and online sales;
• Cultivate new large client accounts;
• Raise the bookstore’s profile, notably through regular production of custom merchandise;
• Collaborate on all aspects pertaining to the production of events and author talks organized by the Books & Ideas Department and market these events to Albertine’s community.

II. Manage and operate the bookstore:

• Curate a varied and relevant selection of books;
• Manage the bookstore’s staff (two full-time employees and two interns);
• Manage supply and logistics for the store: stock, orders, deliveries, and returns;
• Manage major client accounts (schools, Alliance Françaises, book fairs, and more)
• Supervise the monthly book club and occasionally moderate certain meetings.

III. Budget and finances:

• Monitor sales and income, tracking growth and KPIs;
• Create and manage the bookstore’s budget;
• Daily reconciliation of cash and receipts in conjunction with the accounting department.

IV. Participate actively in the bookstore’s daily operations:

• Greet and provide recommendations to clients;
• Process sales, returns, and other cash register-related duties;
• Maintain order and organization in the space to ensure it remains tidy and welcoming.

Profile Insights:

I. Professional experience and skills

• Previous experience running or working at a bookstore;
• Management experience;
• Financial management experience;
• Knowledge of the literary and publishing landscapes;
• Knowledge of the French contemporary publishing scene;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Rigor, organizational skills, and business sense.

II. Language Requirements

• Fluency in English and French.

III. Computer Skills

• Mastery of Microsoft Office 365 (including SharePoint)
• Experience with business management tools appreciated.

IV. Other Qualifications

• Ease with building interpersonal relationships and cultivating dialogue and exchange;
• Curiosity;
• Availability;
• Autonomy and initiative;
• Strong team player and collaborative spirit.

Job Details

• Location: This is a 100% in-person position based in New York City at 972 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10075
• At Will employment with a 6-month trial period.
• Salary: 8,311 USD/month (Level 7) with a monthly transportation allowance of $120.
• Weekly schedule: 40 hours/week, not counting a lunch break.
• Work hours: 5 days per week, including at least 1 weekend day. Occasional availability for events on weekends and in the evenings.
• Vacation: 25 days a year + public holidays
• Medical insurance and 401(k) with partial participation by the employer.

This position does not entitle the holder to any diplomatic or consular status or privileges.

About the Organization

About Villa Albertine, The French Institute for Culture and Education Villa Albertine strengthens ties between the US, France, and the French-speaking world by connecting people and institutions in the spheres of culture and education. In the arts sphere, we encourage collaboration among French and US-based organizations and provide creators and thought leaders with residencies, 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 all US audiences, support partnerships between French and American higher education and research institutions and expand opportunities for students to study and complete internships in France. With offices in 10 major US cities, Villa Albertine is headquartered in New York’s historic Payne Whitney mansion, home to Albertine, our bookshop and nexus for French-American intellectual exchange.