Application Guide
How to Apply for Cooperative Purchasing Specialist
at WiLS
🏢 About WiLS
WiLS is a mission-driven nonprofit that uniquely serves libraries and cultural organizations across Wisconsin, fostering collaboration and resource-sharing. Working here means supporting the public good while enjoying a fully remote, flexible environment with a team dedicated to making a tangible impact on communities.
About This Role
As a Cooperative Purchasing Specialist, you'll be the linchpin connecting member libraries with cost-saving vendor contracts, negotiating deals, and providing personalized support. Your work directly helps these organizations stretch tight budgets and access essential resources, making you a vital partner in their success.
💡 A Day in the Life
Start your day by checking emails and CRM for member inquiries or contract renewal dates. You might spend the morning on a call with a vendor negotiating pricing for a new database subscription, then assist a small museum with onboarding onto a current contract. After lunch, you could prepare a quarterly report on member savings or join a team meeting to discuss upcoming purchasing cycles.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who WiLS Is Looking For
- Has 3+ years of experience in libraries, museums, or other member-serving nonprofits, understanding their unique needs and constraints.
- Excels at relationship management, able to balance vendor negotiations with empathetic member support.
- Is tech-savvy with strong skills in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, plus experience with CRM systems.
- Is proactive and organized, capable of managing multiple subscriptions and member inquiries simultaneously.
📝 Tips for Applying to WiLS
Highlight any experience with cooperative purchasing, group buying, or vendor contract negotiations in your resume.
In your cover letter, mention specific challenges libraries face (e.g., budget cuts) and how you can help alleviate them.
Showcase your customer service skills with concrete examples of high-touch support in a nonprofit or library setting.
Demonstrate your familiarity with WiLS by referencing their specific programs or services (e.g., WiLSWorld).
Tailor your application to emphasize remote work readiness: self-motivation, communication, and time management.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for supporting libraries and cultural organizations, and understanding of their mission.', 'Proven ability to negotiate and manage vendor relationships to achieve cost savings.', 'Experience providing exceptional, personalized customer service in a membership-based organization.', "Specific examples of how you've used CRM and office tools to streamline processes and improve member satisfaction."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore WiLS's website to understand their full range of services beyond cooperative purchasing, like professional development.
- → Read about WiLS's impact in Wisconsin libraries, perhaps through annual reports or member testimonials.
- → Familiarize yourself with the specific vendors they partner with (e.g., EBSCO, OverDrive) and current contract offerings.
- → Check WiLS's blog or news section for recent initiatives or challenges facing their member community.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention libraries, cultural organizations, or WiLS specifically.
- Focusing too much on sales experience rather than relationship-building and member support.
- Neglecting to demonstrate remote work skills, like communication and self-discipline, in your application.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!