Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee•Jackson, TN

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate supports Goodwill’s donated goods operations by delivering an exceptional donor experience while safely receiving, handling, and moving donated merchandise through backroom operations, including the Donation Express Center (DEC). The role is responsible for donor engagement, material handling, trailer loading, and maintaining efficient workflow to support production and store replenishment. Under the direction of store leadership, the associate balances donor service, safety, productivity, and accuracy in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. The role operates in alignment with Goodwill’s mission of Changing Lives through Education, Training, and Employment and upholds the values of Teamwork, Respect, Uprightness, and Empowerment.

Requirements

Previous experience is not required; experience in retail, donation intake, production, warehouse, or customer-facing roles is preferred.
Ability to balance positive donor interactions with operational and backroom responsibilities throughout the workday.
Ability to consistently follow established operational standards, workflows, and safety procedures.
Ability to work safely and accurately in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and move donated goods as required.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience in fast-paced, high-volume, quota/production, or warehouse environments with strong service, productivity, accuracy, and quality expectations.
Experience supporting donors or customers in a community-facing role while performing donation processing, material handling, or backroom operations.
Prior nonprofit or mission-based retail experience.
Bilingual language skills.

Responsibilities

Deliver the GREAT donor experience by greeting donors promptly, offering donation receipts accurately, providing excellent service, assisting donors as needed, and thanking them sincerely.
Greet donors professionally and courteously, creating a welcoming and positive first impression at the donation site.
Receive donated goods according to donation acceptance, safety, and operational guidelines.
Provide basic donor information, including donation procedures and Goodwill’s mission impact.
Assist donors with unloading, directions, or questions to support a safe, efficient, and positive donation experience.
Manage donor flow to maintain safety, efficiency, and a customer-friendly environment during peak periods.
Safely and accurately handle and move donated merchandise within backroom operations and donation areas.
Maintain material flow to support processing, production, and store replenishment.
Load, unload, and stage donated goods, including trailers and trucks, according to safety and operational standards.
Operate forklifts and pallet jacks as trained and authorized.
Keep backroom, staging, equipment, and trailer areas organized, clean, and ready for daily workflow.
Perform routine housekeeping and keep work areas free of hazards.
Follow safety guidelines, housekeeping standards, lifting practices, and operational procedures.
Perform duties in accordance with Goodwill’s safety policies, procedures, and operational standards.
Use proper lifting techniques and safe work practices to prevent injury and protect donors, team members, and donated goods.
Monitor surroundings and promptly report safety hazards, equipment concerns, or operational issues to leadership.
Support a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement in backroom operations.
Maintain a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.
Perform other duties as assigned to support donor experience, backroom operations, and overall store performance.