Donation Processing Associate

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division is seeking a Donation Processing Associate at our thrift store to welcome donors, process donations, and support our mission.

You will greet donors, ensure accurate donation tracking, and help maintain an organized donation area while supporting truck loading/unloading and safety.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or currently pursuing.
• Strong English communication skills.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn new systems.
• Basic math skills.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional donor service by greeting donors and offering assistance.
• Process and track donations accurately.
• Maintain a clean and well-organized donation area.
• Sort, load, and unload Salvation Army trucks per center policy.
• Power sort donations as they arrive (where applicable).
• Support production processes as needed.
• Safeguard all donated materials and assigned equipment.
• Report any complaints, damage, or injuries occurring in the donation area.
• Guide donors on acceptable materials and provide information about pickup services for heavy items.

Skills

English communication

Customer service

Basic computer skills

Basic math skills

Flexible schedule

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Donation Processing Associate- The Salvation Army Thrift Store

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international movement and part of the universal Christian church. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Our thrift stores play a vital role in funding our Adult Rehabilitation Centers and providing affordable shopping options to our neighbors.

About The Role

Join our team as a Donation Processing Associate where you'll be the first point of contact for our generous donors. This role combines customer service, donation processing, and mission-driven work to support The Salvation Army's community programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional donor service by greeting donors and offering assistance
• Process and track donations accurately
• Maintain a clean and well-organized donation area
• Sort, load, and unload Salvation Army trucks per center policy
• Power sort donations as they arrive (where applicable)
• Support production processes as needed
• Safeguard all donated materials and assigned equipment
• Report any complaints, damage, or injuries occurring in the donation area
• Guide donors on acceptable materials and provide information about pickup services for heavy items

What You'll Need to Succeed

• High School Diploma or currently pursuing
• Strong English communication skills for donor and team interactions
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn new systems
• Basic math skills
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check
• Must be available for a flexible schedule including weekends and evenings

Physical Requirements

• Ability to regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Occasionally lift and move up to 100 pounds
• Stand for extended periods
• Walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch as needed
• Work in various weather conditions (outdoor exposure)

What Success Looks Like

• Positive donor feedback
• Clean and organized donation area
• Meeting daily production goals
• Strong team collaboration
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Accurate donation tracking and receipting

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.