Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc.; Shelbyville (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Prescription Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Paid Vacation

Holiday, Sick Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc. is seeking a Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate to support donated goods operations and ensure a positive donor experience.

You will safely receive, move, and stage donated merchandise through backroom areas and the DEC, contributing to efficient production and store replenishment. The role emphasizes donor engagement, safety, and accuracy in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, under store leadership and aligned with Goodwill’s

Qualifications

• Ability to balance positive donor interactions with operational tasks.
• Ability to follow safety guidelines and operational standards.
• Ability to work safely and accurately in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver excellent donor experience by greeting and assisting donors.
• Handle, move, and stage donated goods, including trailers and trucks.
• Operate material handling equipment as trained and authorized.
• Maintain clean, safe backroom areas and follow safety procedures.

Skills

Donor interaction

Safety procedures

Operational pace

Flexibility

Lifting & moving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift operation

Pallet jack use

Job description

Job Location

Shelbyville

Job Summary

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). This role is responsible for donor engagement, material handling, trailer loading, and maintaining efficient workflow to support production and store replenishment. Under the direction of the store leadership, this role balances donor service, safety, productivity, and accuracy in a fast paced, high-volume environment. The Retail Donor Specialist - Materials Handler Associate 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.

Essential Functions

Donor Experience

Consistently deliver the GREAT donor experience by Greeting donors promptly, offering donation Receipts accurately, providing Excellent Service, Assisting donors as needed, and Thanking donors sincerely for their support. Greet donors professionally and courteously, creating a welcoming and positive first impression at the donation site. Receive donated goods in accordance with established donation acceptance, safety, and operational guidelines. Provide basic donor information as needed, including donation procedures and Goodwill’s mission impact. Assist donors with unloading, directions, or questions to ensure a safe, efficient, and positive donation experience. Manage donor flow to maintain safety, efficiency, and a customer‑friendly environment during peak donation periods.

Material Handler & Backroom Operations

Support efficient donated goods operations through safe, accurate handling and movement of donated merchandise within backroom operations and donation areas. Maintain consistent material flow to support processing, production, and store replenishment needs in a high‑volume environment. Load, unload, and stage donated goods, including trailers and trucks, in accordance with safety and operational standards. Operate material handling equipment, including forklifts and pallet jacks, as trained and authorized. Ensure backroom, staging, equipment, and trailer areas are organized, clean, and operationally ready to support daily workflow. Perform routine housekeeping to maintain a safe, orderly, and efficient work environment, including keeping work areas free of hazards. Follow all safety guidelines, housekeeping standards, lifting practices, and operational procedures to support a safe and productive workplace.

Safety & Operational Standards

Perform all 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. Maintain awareness of surroundings and report safety hazards, equipment concerns, or operational issues promptly to leadership. Support a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within backroom operations.

Schedule & Flexibility

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Skills

• Ability to balance positive donor interactions with operational and backroom responsibilities throughout the workday.
• Ability to follow established operational standards, workflows, and safety procedures consistently.
• 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.

Education High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Experience Previous experience in retail, donation intake, production, warehouse, or customer‑facing roles preferred, but not required.

Preferred Education / Experience / Knowledge & Skills / Certifications & License

High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Experience in fast-paced, high-volume, quota/production or warehouse environments with strong service, productivity, accuracy, and quality expectations preferred. Experience supporting donors/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.

Company Mission

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee's mission is to change lives through education, training, and employment.

Benefits

Full-Time Benefits

• Health and Prescription Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation
• Holiday, & Sick Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance Program

Part-Time Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation & Sick Leave
• Employee Assistance Program