Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee•Hendersonville, TN

12d

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 covers 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 position operates in alignment with Goodwill’s mission of Changing Lives through Education, Training, and Employment and its values of Teamwork, Respect, Uprightness, and Empowerment.

Requirements

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 preferred.
Previous experience in retail, donation intake, production, warehouse, or customer-facing roles preferred, but not required.
Experience in fast-paced, high-volume, quota or production, or warehouse environments with strong service, productivity, accuracy, and quality expectations preferred.
Experience supporting donors or customers in a community-facing role while performing donation processing, material handling, or backroom operations preferred.
Prior nonprofit or mission-based retail experience is a plus.
Bilingual language skills preferred.

Responsibilities

Deliver the GREAT donor experience by greeting donors promptly, offering donation receipts accurately, providing excellent service, assisting donors as needed, and thanking them for their support.
Greet donors professionally and courteously, creating a welcoming first impression at the donation site.
Receive donated goods according to established donation acceptance, safety, and operational guidelines.
Provide basic information about donation procedures and Goodwill’s mission impact.
Assist donors with unloading, directions, or questions to support a safe and efficient 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 through backroom and donation operations.
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 when 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, proper lifting practices, and operational procedures.
Report safety hazards, equipment concerns, or operational issues promptly 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 store performance.