Thrift Specialist – Dayton Humane & Co.

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is proud to be a no-kill organization that has been serving the animals and people of the Miami Valley since 1902. To put that into perspective, we have been committed to the animals in our community before the Wright Brothers invented flight! Our mission is to build a community in which all animals are valued and free from suffering, and life is enhanced through the relationships with pets.

Dayton Humane & Co. Resale Boutique is a boutique-style store that sells high-quality, gently used, and new items for low prices. All net proceeds directly support the innovative lifesaving programs of The Humane Society of Greater Dayton, a 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization. 

Position Summary:

The Thrift Specialist at Dayton Humane & Co. Resale Boutique is a key role focused on delivering strong sales and service results, with customer satisfaction as the top priority. Serving over 100 customers daily, the Thrift Specialist ensures a clean, organized, and well-stocked store while supporting and training volunteers and other staff. The Thrift Specialist collaborates with volunteers, assists in creating their schedules, and participates in training activities. Shifts may vary based on store needs, including evenings and weekends.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Customer Service:
  Provide an exceptional shopping experience by assisting customers with inquiries, transactions, and rewards sign-ups. Address customer complaints fairly and escalate unresolved issues to the Store Manager.
• Volunteer and Staff Support:
  Lead by example to create a welcoming environment for volunteers and new staff. Assist in training, task assignments, and cultivating a positive team atmosphere, ensuring volunteers and staff are familiar with store policies and daily procedures.
• Donation Processing:
  Greet donors, accept donations, and ensure efficient sorting, pricing, and preparation of items for the sales floor.
• Inventory and Store Presentation:
  Keep the sales floor well-stocked, organized, and attractively displayed to maintain a boutique ambiance. Ensure cleanliness, including sweeping and organizing carts, hangers, and baskets.
• Cashiering and Sales Support:
  Accurately manage point-of-sale transactions, handle cash and card payments, and assist with store opening and closing procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Train other staff and volunteers in store operations, customer service, and donation processing.
• Attend and participate in required training sessions and team meetings.
• Communicate consistently with the Store Manager, and colleagues to support smooth operations.
• Assist with donation pick-ups and deliveries as needed.
• Help in planning and executing store events and vendor markets as directed by the Store Manager.

Minimum Position Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• At least one (1) year of retail and customer service experience is preferred
• Friendly, energetic personality with strong customer service skills.
• Ability to handle transactions accurately and responsibly.
• Flexibility to work weekends.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Positive attitude and helpful, courteous approach to resolving customer questions.
• Ability to work unsupervised when needed and remain productive.
• Knowledge of antiques, vintage, retro, or collectible items is a plus
• Strong commitment to the mission of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton and Dayton Humane & Co.
• Proficient in verbal and written communication, able to present ideas logically, clearly, and concisely.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with solid time management skills; able to prioritize tasks, and adapt quickly.
• Familiarity with point-of-sale systems (Square, Clover) and associated CRM functions is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams, including staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Some computer skills and familiarity with office equipment.
• Flexibility, resilience, and the capacity to work effectively under varied conditions, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record for duties requiring transportation.

Daily Contacts:

• Potential donors: individuals and companies
• Dayton Humane & Co customers, employees, volunteers, and vendors
• Humane Society of Greater Dayton employees and other not-for-profit groups

Direct Reports:

None.

Physical Demands:

The following physical requirements are representative of those necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to support individuals with disabilities in fulfilling these requirements:

• The employee is continuously required to stand, reach, and handle equipment with upper extremities;
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15-40 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds;
• Specific vision requirements include the ability to focus on objects at varying distances, maintain clear close and distance vision, and perceive depth accurately.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Fast-paced retail setting focused on customer satisfaction, volunteer engagement, and boutique ambiance.
• Must be comfortable interacting with customers and volunteers, maintaining a polished appearance for the store.
• This position involves a dynamic retail environment and occasional exposure to noise and the elements.
• Work-related stress is occasional