ABOUT THE ROLE
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We are seeking a versatile, creative, and community-minded team member to join our hybrid bookstore and cafe. In this role, you will be the face of our space—doing everything from crafting specialty espresso drinks and guiding customers to their next great read, to supporting our online shop and vibrant cultural events. If you love literature, specialty coffee, and fostering community connections, we would love to meet you.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Daily Operations & Guest Experience
- Customer Service & Literary Guidance: Welcome guests, provide personalized book recommendations, and cultivate a warm environment for community and literary exploration.
- Coffee & Beverage Preparation: Craft specialty coffee and tea beverages to high quality and aesthetic standards (comprehensive training provided).
- POS & Financials: Process transactions accurately, handle daily cash management, and maintain financial records using Shopify POS.
Inventory, Merchandising & E-commerce
- Visual Merchandising: Maintain store cleanliness and design engaging book and cafe displays with a creative flair.
- Inventory Management: Receive shipments, manage stock levels, and maintain accurate inventory records.
- Fulfillment: Process, package, and ship online orders, ensuring a seamless bridge between our physical and digital storefronts.
Digital Marketing & Community Programming
- Social Media & Content: Document daily bookstore life, create visual content, and share book recommendations to grow our online community.
- Events & Cultural Programming: Assist in planning, coordinating, and executing bookstore cultural activities, author talks, and community events.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Language: Professional proficiency in both English and Mandarin is required to serve our diverse community.
- Compliance: Ability to follow all health, safety, and professional customer service protocols.
Preferred / Great to Have:
- Proficiency or conversational skills in Cantonese.
- Previous barista experience or a strong passion for specialty coffee.
- A keen eye for visual storytelling, brand photography, or digital content creation.
BENEFITS & EMPLOYMENT TERMS
What We Offer:
- Paid sick leave (in accordance with San Francisco/California law).
- Workers’ Compensation coverage.
- Comprehensive training in specialty coffee preparation.
Position Details:
- Employment Type: At-will employment subject to company policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
- Evaluation Period: A 90-day performance evaluation period to assess mutual fit.
- Breaks: All California meal and rest break requirements are strictly provided and respected.
Unbound Bookstore / is the only Chinese bookstore in San Francisco. Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown at 38 Waverly Place, they are also a neighborhood coffee shop, serving as a cultural hub for the local Chinese community and the broader diaspora. They sell Chinese books from Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and also English, bilingual and Pinyin books. The bookstore also hosts lectures, film screenings, live music, art exhibitions, and other events to cultivate a multidimensional literary and artistic community.
Salary
$20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits
Tips, Employee discount
Job Type
Full time, Part time
Schedule
8 hour shift