Member Relations Manager & DEIA Manager

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. 

ABA’s Member Relations Manager & DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access) Manager 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. They report directly to the Director of Membership.

The Member Relations Manager & DEIA Manager is responsible for outreach and support of the West Coast region, as well as  outreach to and support of historically marginalized members.

The ideal candidate is a self-directed, outgoing people-person who loves books and bookstores, and has experience developing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. This position will require domestic travel at least 1–3 times/year for periods of 2–4 days, and 2 times/year for periods of 7–10 days. During those times some nights and weekends will be required.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Develop and support work to ensure that ABA programs break down barriers, create equitable access, and address the needs of historically and systemically marginalized and excluded members, including those from Black, BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, Neurodiverse, and Disability communities. This support includes:Creation, development, and management of  ABA programs and services to enhance member benefits and satisfaction including: Event DEI Guides, Language resource guides, and other ad-hoc projects
• Administration and outreach for ABA’s Black, BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, Neurodiverse, and Disability meetups in-person and virtual
• General outreach to members and non-members to hear their needs and offer support 
• Suggestions for conference and educational programming ideas informed by experience and member feedback
• Event scholarship review and award process to support representation
• Membership data collection and maintenance
• Attendance and admin responsibility for monthly diversity council meetings and quarterly staff equity discussions
• Creation, development, and management of association DEIA projects
• Oversight of association accessibility for conferences

Other responsibilities include:

• Developing a portfolio of bookstore accounts as the primary liaison with ABA, helping to onboard new members, and supporting the renewal process
• Providing technical assistance and helping members access resources and activities
• Responding to bookstores’ inquiries about new and evergreen programs and services
• Creating data reports through CiviCRM, including quarterly reports on new member stores
• Traveling to trade shows, forums, and conferences to represent the Membership Team and provide information about ABA to booksellers
• Demonstrating a commitment to inclusion, equity, and access through continuous learning and development, and modeling inclusive behaviors

Our ideal candidate will have the following: 

• Passion for independent bookstores and/or books 
• Commitment to and experience supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and access 
• 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 Docs 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) 

Nice-to-haves (or, please still apply if you do not have):

• CRM or other database experience 

Location: Remote 

Compensation: $54,000. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance; paid sick days, holidays, vacation, and personal days.

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 online form.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled with a projected start date in early to mid-September (but will be dependent upon the candidate’s needs.) 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 and an association that’s representative of all of our members and the customers they serve. 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).

*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.