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Qualifications
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College degree or equivalent and previous experience in a retail environment
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Experience in the Christian Science field (i.e., branch church work, field work, etc.), and some experience speaking with the public about Christian Science
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Strong interpersonal communication skills
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Comfortable answering questions about Christian Science and Mary Baker Eddy from the public, and expresses strong spiritual discernment about what’s needed in nuanced interactions
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Familiarity with public thought and trends, other faith backgrounds, willingness to keep abreast of changes
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Able to communicate comfortably and respectfully with people of many different belief systems, nationalities, and cultures
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Familiarity with the values and core beliefs of other faiths and Christian denominations is highly beneficial
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Solid knowledge for the products published or sold by the Christian Science Publishing Society, and a desire to learn more
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A love and appreciation for the resources available in the Reading Room
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Strong organizational skills with a detail-oriented mindset
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Resilient, composed, and able to adapt to changing circumstances and changes of routine
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Understanding and appreciation for the mission and goals of The Mother Church and how it communicates with various audiences
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Flexible, persistent, compassionate, and willingness to serve in the spirit of doing whatever is necessary
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Love for others and a willingness to help visitors and coworkers
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Team-oriented with initiative, follow-through, and skill at supporting team activities
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Handles monetary transactions with ease and accuracy, including handling and counting cash
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Has excellent math and analytical skills, good computer knowledge, and the ability to learn quickly
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Fluency in more than one language is useful
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Love for the quiet, contemplative nature of the Reading Room
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Able to work a flexible schedule
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Available to work some weekends and holidays, as needed
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Strong skills in Google Suite, Zoom, Christian Science Publishing Society electronic products, and the use of the internet
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May work in an office environment occasionally
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Engagement with Christian Science
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In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire
Responsibilities
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Working as part of a dedicated team, an Associate Librarian offers a warm welcome to each visitor, ensuring their needs have been met with professionalism, spiritual discernment and care
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In addition to serving as an Associate Librarian on shift in the Reading Room, this position provides visitors with a harmonious purchasing experience by managing inventory levels and maintaining the physical merchandise in the Reading Room
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An Associate Librarian serves as a “guide” to each visitor
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Therefore, developing and maintaining expert knowledge of the products that are published or sold by the Christian Science Publishing Society—and recommending them to meet specific needs—is an essential part of the job
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Equally important is to contribute to an uplifting environment of healing and spiritual discovery
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The responsibilities of an Associate Librarian in The Mother Church Reading Room go well beyond the role of a traditional librarian
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Church founder Mary Baker Eddy took great care in the selection of The Mother Church Reading Room Librarian
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The Librarian and all Associate Librarians strive to uphold this standard of conduct
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In support of this healing activity, the Associate Librarian prays for and metaphysically defends the mission and activity of The Mother Church Reading Room
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This position prays for, supports, and contributes to the healing atmosphere in the Reading Room
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Is responsible for sales and customer service/satisfaction in The Mother Church Reading Room when on shift
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Recognizes and supports the unique role of The Mother Church Reading Room
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Has a knowledge of the life and work of Mary Baker Eddy
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experience, The Mary Baker Eddy Library, Christian Science Publishing Society publications and other Mother Church programs to provide current information for visitors and callers
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Graciously corrects misconceptions about Christian Science in a wise and Christian manner
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Is able to quickly assess situations and respond with prayer and practical steps to bring solutions that support resolution
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Hosts and coordinates events in the Reading Room, including doing the technical setup and facilitating discussions
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Learns new technologies/procedures as the Reading Room continues to evolve
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Contributes to daily reports when on shift
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Masters the detailed daily procedures of opening and closing the Reading Room, preparing for visitors, and handling literature
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Keeps areas welcoming and neat
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May be asked to work on other projects that support the Reading Room, as determined by the Manager/Librarian
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Inventory management / 15%
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Maintains proper inventory levels
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Receives standing orders
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Creates and receives purchase orders
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Creates in-store copies of items, when needed
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Performs regular inventory counts
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Creates and receives printed products (Bible Lessons, article collections)
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Ensures the overall cleanliness and appearance of merchandise on display
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Works with the Visual Merchandising and Community Engagement Associate Librarian to ensure they have everything they need to create merchandising displays
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Finds solutions to any inventory issues
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Maintains strong, current knowledge of point of sale (POS) system capabilities and use to further the ease of Reading Room business
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Generates and reconciles inventory and financial reports for the Treasurer's Office, as needed
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Considers upcoming events, holidays, etc., to ensure the Reading Room is prepared to meet demand for specific merchandise
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Professional development, teamwork and projects / 5%
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Reads and responds daily to emails and voicemails
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Attends and contributes to staff meetings
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Stays current on all of the products that are published or sold by the Christian Science Publishing Society; develops and maintains expert knowledge
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Keeps abreast of current trends in spirituality, spiritual healing, and church
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Collaborates with team members on projects that support the Reading Room and Mother Church activities, as determined by the Manager
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Supervisor: Assistant Manager: Operations and Development, with a close working relationship with the entire team