We are seeking an experienced executive to lead our sales department, helping get our books in front of people who need them. We’re looking for a big picture thinker who is data-driven, results-oriented, can think on their feet and pivot quickly, and has a flair for bringing the best out of their team. 

This might be the perfect job for you if spreadsheets are your second favorite thing after books, you have a stash of favorite zines (or you’ve published your own), you’re a systems thinker (or, dare we say, a systems nerd), you’re energized by rising to new challenges and even more energized by making sales, you learned to swim by jumping right into the deep end, and your goofiest ideas are the ones that pan out the most brilliantly.

Microcosm is an independent, worker-owned book publisher, distributor, and wholesaler founded in 1996 and based in Portland, Oregon and Cleveland, Ohio. We focus on books, zines, decks and other materials that help readers change their lives and the world. We are self-distributed, working with independent rep groups, wholesalers, and thousands of stores (but not Amazon!). 

Hours: This is a 40-hour per week role with flexible daytime working hours.

Location: Fully remote. We can offer full employment to someone who lives in Oregon, California, Washington State, Ohio, or Maine. If you live in another US state and/or would consider or prefer to be an independent contractor, please note that on your application. 

Experience: This is a very senior job; third-in-command at Microcosm. The person we hire will need to have a background in managing a sales program, a track record of growth, expertise in gift and special sales, and a strong head for strategy. 

We recognize that not everyone has a traditional career path, so feel free to be creative about showing your experience. Demonstrated ability to do the work, learn, be part of a team, pay attention to details, and think critically about systems are the key things we are looking for.

Our ideal candidate:

• Is a skilled strategist, keeping their eyes clearly on the company’s goals and quickly making good decisions based on incomplete or changing information
• Has proven special sales chops, with an enthusiasm for selling books in places they aren’t normally sold, and who can also comfortably navigate publishing’s seasonal schedules
• Has a track record of successful sales growth
• Gets excited about finding new ways of approaching a problem, and has a deep supply of unconventional, creative ideas
• Can instantly identify the key value to buyers and readers of any book from looking at the cover and title 
• Is outgoing, loves to sell, and is great at building relationships with teammates and accounts
• Is experienced at working with a neurodiverse team
• Brings an “us vs the problem” attitude when working with colleagues and accounts
• Believes in our mission of empowering readers to change their lives, then the world

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Increase sales and market share for Microcosm’s publishing, distribution, and wholesale programs
• Develop and execute sales strategy for each customer class, meeting monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue goals
• Set and communicate sales goals and objectives to the department 
• Establish sales benchmarks to monitor, and provide resources to report and track. 
• Identify areas for us to grow and lead us to grow there
• Sell to key accounts, major accounts, and wholesalers
• Manage in-house reps
• Manage our relationship with outside rep groups
• Network by phone and in-person with a diverse group of retailers 
• Participate in our leadership team, advising and collaborating on company strategy
• Design, implement, and maintain effective cross-departmental systems and root out inefficiencies and busywork
• Delegate day-to-day tasks and projects, motivating your team and holding them accountable for follow-through

Pay and benefits:

Starting wage is between $24.50 and $26.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employment type. This role is also eligible for commissions and bonuses based on growth.

Benefits for employees and contractors include:

• All company profits are distributed amongst workers in the form of profit-sharing and raises
• Health insurance after trial period (employees only)
• Paid time off after trial period
• Employee ownership program after five years
• Transparent compensation and clear metrics for advancement
• Meaningful work at a mission-driven company 
• Work life balance