Binc Expands Staff in Response to Increased Grant Requests

A need to expand staff and organizational capacity at the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc) comes as a result of the increase in the number of requests received and grants distributed.

Since the beginning of 2020, Binc has helped 556 families through hardship and emergency circumstances with more than $635,000 in assistance. The foundation has been helping more booksellers and comic retailers every year since 2011, but this year has experienced an over 400 percent increase in the need for emergency household assistance. The foundation has also this year distributed more than $2.2 million to over 1,600 bookstores and comic shops around the country.

Binc Executive Director Pam French notes, “While I hope the pace of need and requests levels off and declines, we have not seen a decrease yet. In order to maintain our commitment to providing outstanding assistance, a second program manager is needed to help with the volume of requests.

“I am thrilled to announce that Kate Weiss has been promoted from her role as Communications Coordinator to Programs Manager. Kate brings not only her personal experience of working as a bookseller but also her compassion and dedication to helping people through life’s difficult situations. Kate has served as backup program manager since August 2019. With Kate joining Kit Steinaway, the foundation will be well prepared to help every bookseller and comic retailer in need.”

Binc now has two full-time program managers as Weiss joins Kit Steinaway, who has been helping booksellers at the Borders Group Foundation and now Binc since 2007. Kathy Bartson and Mary Baker will continue in their roles as Director of Development and Office Coordinator, respectively.

With this change, the Binc Foundation seeks to hire a communication coordinator. This position is full-time with the option to work remotely. Key functions and responsibilities include: public relations and general external communications, including newsletters and e-blasts; general copywriting and editing; digital and print design; website analytics and content; donor stewardship; member of the Development & Communication Committee; and representing and promoting Binc within the bookselling and comic retailing communities. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and experience in the bookselling or comic retailing community. BIPOC candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

For a complete job description and more information, visit Binc’s website.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume together in one document with the candidate’s last name in the subject line and file name. Only emailed applications will be accepted. Questions and resumes should be submitted to [email protected]. Phone calls regarding the position will not be accepted.