FWS-STUDENT-Finger Lakes Toy Library

Ithaca College•Town of Ithaca, NY

3d•$17•Hybrid

About The Position

The Finger Lakes Toy Library is seeking work-study students for the 2026–2027 academic year. We currently have two open roles: a front-facing position (Open Hours Host/Playtime Assistant) and an administrative position (Fundraising, Marketing, Data Analysis, Toy Cataloging). The Finger Lakes Toy Library is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving quality of life by increasing access to toys, supporting play, and encouraging a culture of reuse and sharing. Play is invaluable to the development and education of children, and we are proud to positively impact our region's children by making high-quality toys accessible to everyone in the community. Currently, we serve over 420 members and have an inventory of over 1,700 toys, games, and puzzles. In addition to lending toys, we offer regular community playtime programming across the Finger Lakes region. Ithaca College’s student employment program offers meaningful experiential learning opportunities that develop transferable skills sought by employers across various industries. These positions allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world professional settings, fostering both personal and professional growth. Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

Requirements

Self-motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and capable of working independently.
Strong writing and communication skills.
Basic photography and digital editing abilities (e.g., using a smartphone or digital camera to take clear product photos).
An interest in nonprofit operations, collection management, marketing, fundraising, or data analytics.
Familiarity with tools like Canva, Google Suite, Excel, Mailchimp, or database management platforms is desired.
Previous experience in communications, fundraising, data analysis, or database entry is a plus, but not required.
Weekday availability to host open hours at the toy library and potentially assist with off-site playtime events.
Outstanding reliability and consistent attendance are essential for this role.
Applicants should be welcoming, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently.
Previous experience in customer service, childcare, child development, or working/volunteering with nonprofits is preferred, but not required.

Nice To Haves

Potential availability on Saturdays in the future, should scheduling needs shift.

Responsibilities

Process and catalog incoming donations of toys, games, and puzzles.
Photograph items clearly and draft accurate, engaging descriptions.
Upload photos and details to our online inventory database so members can browse and borrow them.
Create and schedule social media content to promote events, share impact stories, and run campaigns.
Assist with developing printed materials (e.g., flyers) and support general community outreach efforts.
Conduct research on prospective donors, grant opportunities, and sponsorship leads.
Assist the Board with overall fundraising efforts, including business sponsor outreach and the annual appeal.
Track membership data, event attendance, and money saved by members.
Analyze data to identify growth opportunities, measure program impact, and prepare summaries or infographics highlighting the Toy Library's reach.
Hosting weekday open hours at the toy library, welcoming families, and managing the circulation desk (checking toys in and out, processing new memberships).
Assisting with the planning, packing, and hosting of off-site playtime events in Ithaca and surrounding communities during the week.
Cleaning, organizing, photographing, and cataloging our toy collection.
Administrative and fundraising tasks based on the student's unique interests and career goals (e.g., donor research, drafting grant components, preparing marketing and outreach materials).