Retail Sales and Customer Service Assistant

Rawhide-Youth-Services; New London (CT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Rawhide-Youth-Services in New London, CT seeks an entry-level Customer Service and Administrative Assistant for the Vehicle Donation Program. You will assist donors, buyers, and vendors, enter data, process online vehicle sales, and maintain records.

The role emphasizes accuracy, confidentiality, and teamwork. Training is provided, and the position offers a path to broader responsibilities within the organization and mission-driven services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Entry-level position; previous retail, customer service, call center, data entry, or administrative experience is helpful but not required.
• Friendly and professional communication skills with the ability to assist people who have different levels of understanding of donation and sales processes.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn program databases, office software, internet research, and digital sales platforms.
• Ability to enter information accurately, proofread work, organize records, and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Responds to routine customer, donor, buyer, and vendor questions by phone, email, and digital messaging platforms.
• Accurately enters, updates, and retrieves customer, donation, vehicle, sales, and vendor information in approved software systems.
• Assists with online vehicle sales, payment or transaction processing, vehicle pick-up coordination, and required sales documentation.
• Supports vehicle transport and logistics by communicating schedules and requirements to internal and external partners.
• Maintains accurate electronic and paper records for donations, customers, buyers, vendors, vehicles, and sales.
• Follows established legal, DOT, privacy, records-management, and internal compliance procedures.
• Works collaboratively with customer service, production, retail sales, and other internal teams to support efficient operations.
• Completes required training and participates in cross-training to provide flexible office and program support.

Job description

Job PurposeProvides entry-level customer service, administrative, and retail sales support for the Vehicle Donation Program. Communicates with donors, buyers, customers, vendors, and internal teams; enters and maintains accurate information; assists with online vehicle sales and related documentation; and helps ensure each interaction reflects Rawhide's mission and commitment to excellent service.Essential FunctionsResponds to routine customer, donor, buyer, and vendor questions by phone, email, and digital messaging platforms, escalating complex matters as appropriate.Accurately enters, updates, and retrieves customer, donation, vehicle, sales, and vendor information in approved software systems.Assists with online vehicle sales, payment or transaction processing, vehicle pick-up coordination, and required sales documentation.Supports vehicle transport and logistics by communicating schedules and requirements to internal and external partners.Reviews forms and records for completeness and follows established procedures, including applicable DOT and program requirements.Performs general administrative support, including sorting, proofreading, copying, transmitting, filing, and organizing information.Maintains positive, professional interactions and expresses appreciation to donors, buyers, customers, and vendors.Maintains an organized work area and follows safety, confidentiality, and compliance expectations.Job ResponsibilitiesCustomer Service and CommunicationProvides clear, courteous, and timely information about the vehicle donation and purchasing processes.Listens to questions or concerns, resolves routine issues within established guidelines, and refers matters requiring additional support to the appropriate team member.Serves as a helpful liaison among donors, buyers, vendors, Donor Service Centers, and Rawhide staff.Communicates vehicle handover, pick-up, transport, and documentation requirements accurately.Retail Sales SupportAssists with posting, monitoring, and processing online vehicle and miscellaneous-item sales.Supports customer transactions and cash-handling procedures, when assigned, in accordance with established controls.Assists staff with basic review of donated vehicles and other items for resale potential.Helps coordinate vehicle releases and confirms that required documentation is available before handover.Administrative and Compliance SupportMaintains accurate electronic and paper records for donations, customers, buyers, vendors, vehicles, and sales.Uses office and program software to prepare, proofread, retrieve, copy, transmit, and organize reports, forms, and other documents.Checks information for accuracy and completeness and promptly reports discrepancies.Follows established legal, DOT, privacy, records-management, and internal compliance procedures.Team, Mission, and DevelopmentWorks collaboratively with customer service, production, retail sales, and other internal teams to support efficient operations.Completes required training and participates in cross-training to provide flexible office and program support.Offers practical suggestions to improve customer service, documentation, and workflow processes.Protects the credibility of the Rawhide mission by complying with the standard of conduct and demonstrating Rawhide's values in words and actions.Performs other duties as directed or assigned by the supervisor.QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent preferred.Entry-level position; previous retail, customer service, call center, data entry, or administrative experience is helpful but not required.Friendly and professional communication skills with the ability to assist people who have different levels of understanding of donation and sales processes.Basic computer skills and willingness to learn program databases, office software, internet research, and digital sales platforms.Ability to enter information accurately, proofread work, organize records, and maintain confidentiality.Ability to manage multiple tasks, follow established procedures, meet deadlines, and ask for assistance when needed.Willingness to cross-train and work cooperatively as part of a team.Ability to obtain a Retail Vehicle Sales License if required for assigned duties.Cash-handling experience and familiarity with vehicles or basic mechanical concepts are preferred but not required.Working ConditionsPrimarily office-based, with occasional warehouse or outdoor tasks related to vehicle inspection, documentation, or pick-up.Frequent use of a computer and telephone for customer communication and data entry.May require occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.