About Upstart & Crow

Stories for their own sake and stories for the sake of others. Upstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers, readers and stories, and the role they play in shaping our lives.

After building a community in Vancouver, BC, we’re launching a new studio in Ottawa in Fall 2026. This bookstore, creative studio and event space will host uniquely curated books, launch original non-profit programs and support writers, with activities across our five pillars of work: Literature In Translation / Climate Solutions / Poetry / Civic Dialogue / Community &

Skills Building. We revel in incubating original programs, curating meaningful conversations and launching projects that enable storytellers to create and share transformative works.

About The Role

We’re looking for a warm, responsible individual with a adaptable schedule to join our small team and fill occasional bookselling shifts at the studio, as well as work scheduled event shifts. This is an ideal role for someone looking for part-time hours who can support events that mostly occur after hours, such as book launches, workshops and public talks. Such events may take place at the studio or offsite.

Roles & Responsibilities****Work includes:

- Working day-to-day in the studio to help customers, arrange inventory and make the space a welcoming place.
- Staffing occasional events after hours in the studio or at offsite events, often on evenings and weekends.
- Required event set-up and take-down activities,



including moving furniture, setting up displays, arranging chairs, etc.

Qualities — Essential:

- In-depth knowledge of, and passion for, books.
- Must be comfortable acting as a host for the studio, introducing scheduled speakers and the studio space to guests.
- Personable, with strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Must be able to lift at least 20lbs and to stack books safely.

Qualities — Terrific to Have, But Not Essential:

- Bilingual or strong French language skills.
- A balanced knowledge of both CanLit and international literature.
- Retail experience.

Terms This is a part-time position in the Upstart & Crow studio, and hours will fluctuate depending on the number of events booked. This position requires some travel to offsite event locations; travel costs will be covered. Must be available for some evening and weekend shifts. $26 p/h.

Equity

We strongly encourage applications from individuals from historically and currently marginalized groups, including but not limited to Indigenous people, Black and racialized people, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and others who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to this work.

To Apply

Please email a personalised cover letter and resume to . We will interview on a rolling basis, with the successful candidate ideally able to begin in late August 2026, with some flexibility on start date.

Pay: $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 2.0 – 6.0 per week

Work Location: In person

📌 Casual Bookstore and Events Support — Upstart & Crow Ottawa Job Posting
🏢 Upstart u0026 Crow Literary Arts Studio
📍 Ottawa