The Donation Center Associate is a non-exempt, full-time, benefits-eligible employee of House of Ruth Maryland (HRM), responsible for receiving, evaluating and appropriately sorting incoming donations, storing and inventorying goods for HRM programs and merchandise for retail operations, distributing excess donations and coordinating garment recycling pick-ups.  The Donation Center Associate is responsible for training, scheduling and supervising interns and volunteers. The Donation Center Associate coordinates with Ruth’s Repeats and Ruth’s Closet retail staff to ensure distribution of donated commodities to HRM retail locations. The Donation Center Associate must exhibit strong interpersonal skills and be capable of engaging effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

Primary Responsibilities:

·         receive donations from individuals, businesses and organizations; greet donors, help them move donations into the Donation Center, offer donor forms and thank them for their support; follow up with written thank-you notes for exceptional items and important donors

·         evaluate and appropriately sort incoming donations following guidelines for items acceptable for HRM clients, for sale at Ruth’s Closet resale boutique and for sale at Ruth’s Repeats thrift store

·         create and maintain an inventory control system

·         maintain orderly spaces

·         coordinate with appropriate HRM staff to ensure good communication and the timely exchange of commodities within the agency

·         communicate Wish List urgent needs to appropriate staff

·         maintain Donation Center operations calendar with attention to agency holidays, closures and events

·         communicate with potential donors to respond to donation questions

·         distribute excess donations not needed at HRM to other charitable organizations

·         coordinate pick-up dates and times for garment and shoe recycling

·         supervise interns and volunteers, ensuring appropriate Donation Center coverage, maximizing utilization of human resources, generating team spirit, and providing supervision, feedback and support

·         maintain open communications with HRM Community Relations staff to recruit volunteers and actively promote volunteer opportunities the agency

·         represent the HRM and the Donation Center in the community

·         maintain standards and procedures to ensure the safety and security of the premises, of staff and volunteers

·         other duties as assigned

Experience/Qualifications:

·         High school diploma required, Bachelor’s degree preferred

·         Excellent customer service skills required, experience working with volunteers in a non-profit setting a plus

·         Excellent writing and computer skills required, including Microsoft Word and Excel as well as email programs

·         Must be able to physically lift and carry 25 pounds and be able to stand for up to an hour at a time

·         Must be reliable, including have own transportation, a valid MD driver’s license and a clean driving record

·         Must have high ethical standards and successfully complete a background and credit check

·         Must be able to follow direction and when needed, initiate action, make sound decisions, and exercise good judgment and discretion

·         Strong interpersonal, verbal, and listening skills required; must be outgoing and capable of engaging effectively with people from diverse backgrounds

·         Must demonstrate flexibility and be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

·         Must be resourceful, even tempered, and a skilled problem solver

·         Ability to understand intimate partner violence and how it affects the client population