Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, religion, or other protected classes.

About Our Organization: Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse is a retail bookstore and tea cafe located in Los Alamos, New Mexico, 45 minutes from Santa Fe and Taos as well as various other regional cultural hubs. Los Alamos is located on the Pajarito Plateau at 7300 feet of elevation with easy access to local skiing, hiking, and other outdoor recreational activities.

All positions are in-person and on site at our location, unless otherwise indicated. Our retail location is in Central Park Square, a complex of restaurants, retail, and offices located in downtown Los Alamos. Events are held on and off site, throughout Los Alamos County at various parks, fields, and buildings, as well as regionally with partners. Applicants will be expected to be available for on and off site events as the role requires.

If you need assistance completing an application or with an interview, please contact owner Jill Lang at admin@samizdatbookstore.com

Our organization works with customers, partners, and staff from diverse backgrounds and has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or hate speech.

Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse - Marketing and Design Lead

Job Summary

The Marketing and Design Lead works directly with the owner and other lead staff to perform coordinated marketing efforts throughout the year, as well as arrange the physical design of displays and merchandise in-store. The Marketing and Design Lead will work on site, developing a comprehensive annual marketing calendar, planning and executing promotions and events, maintaining social media accounts including posting on a daily basis, writing and sending weekly newsletter to customers, designing printed marketing materials, and executing programing both internal and with our external partners throughout the year. The person in this position will work directly with the general public, Samizdat staff, as well as other small business, non-profit, and government partners. Some point-of-sale operations, customer service, and light kitchen duties such as preparing drinks will be required.

Essential Duties and Functions

Leads the development of an annual marketing strategic plan under the supervision of the Owner.

Works with the Owner and other Leads to execute an annual marketing calendar.

Manages and executes frequent promotions throughout the year.

Communicates with Operations Lead to coordinate marketing promotions and social media posts with website updates.

Develops a weekly email newsletter template, writes and sends email communications to customers and solicits input from other staff.

Writes press releases and communicates with local and regional reporters.

Works with Operations Lead to plan marketing for upcoming inventory, events, and signed first edition releases.

Works with community partners to plan and market external events such as book signings, festivals, and other outreach opportunities.

Leads in communicating events to the public.

Communicates effectively with staff and external partners and manages workflow with multiple ongoing projects.

Secures permits for exterior marketing opportunities (such as overpass banner permits, permits for signage at events).

Secures advertising in local and regional publications.

Works within an established budget for print and online advertising.

Attends local and regional strategy meetings to coordinate our marketing efforts with local and regional events and seasonal activities.

Is available during weekdays and during weekend events when needed.

Maintains a professional relationship with customers, staff, and community partners.

Desired Qualifications

Experience working in customer-facing organizations.

Bachelor’s Degree in communications, design, or related studies, or equivalent in field experience.

Background check clearance

Referrals and examples of work experience.

Graphic design experience. This is NOT a graphic design only position.

Ability to work with internal and external artists and graphic designers, including conveying brand ideals and protecting company and contractor intellectual property.

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work independently as well as within a team.

Good communication skills: written, verbal, and visual.

Experience in designing graphics and managing marketing campaigns.

Experience with point-of-sale systems and handling sales transactions.

Experience in event planning and community collaborations.

Good teamwork skills.

Computer skills

Working knowledge of the Google Office Suite.

Working knowledge of Canva Pro.

Ability to complete projects within budget and on time.

Comfortable working with a certain degree of autonomy.

New Mexico State Driver’s license.

The ideal candidate lives within a 40 mile radius of Los Alamos or has plans to relocate to Los Alamos within the next six calendar months.

Organizational Structure

Reports to and works with Owner to plan and execute marketing campaigns as well as the physical design and maintenance of store displays.

Collaborates with Operations Lead to maintain a comprehensive calendar, and communicate inventory and events to the public.

Collaborates with partners on external programming and events.

Physical Demands

Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. These include remaining in a stationary position for an extended period of time, moving about the retail floor and kitchen, preparing and serving light food and beverage, operating a computer and other office equipment. Should be able to work in a variety of environments including retail sales floor, kitchen, as well as various partner spaces in the local and regional area. Tasks may include lifting (under 40 pounds), standing for extended periods of time, using stairs, and maintaining a hygienic environment. Must be comfortable in frequently loud, bustling environments. Must be available during large events.

Hiring Range: $18-22 per hour commensurate with experience and according to Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse’s staff salary schedule.

This is a part time (28 hours) position in Los Alamos, NM. The expected workday will be 4 days per week, 7 hours per day. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to attend occasional events scheduled on evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume in PDF format to admin@samizdatbookstore.com. Applications will be accepted and interviews conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Expected start date January 2025. In your cover letter, please address:

Why are you interested in working for Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse and in this job in particular?

What about your experience makes you the ideal candidate for this position?

This job requires a candidate who is comfortable both directing their own work and collaborating closely with a team on collaborative projects. Explain how your experience makes you suitable for both styles of work.