Donation Intake Specialist

About the Organization

Humane Society of Summit County serves our community by caring and advocating for vulnerable animals and enriching the lives of pets and people.

Help the animals of Summit County by becoming a team member at our thrift shop, Happy Tails, located at 1770 Merriman Rd, Akron, OH 44313. All proceeds from the shop go directly to fund the life‑saving work done at the Humane Society of Summit County shelter located a couple minutes down the road.

We are now accepting applications for a part-time (20–25 hours) Donation Intake Specialist at the Happy Tails Thrift Shop. The Donation Intake Specialist must be available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10AM to 3:30PM. If you are an efficient, courteous individual who has excellent customer service skills, we want you!

The Donation Intake Specialist is responsible for assisting customers with unloading donations, evaluating donated items according to store guidelines, and sorting donations for processing. This is a customer‑facing position that plays a key role in creating a positive donor experience while helping ensure the efficient operation of the thrift shop.

Successful candidates will have a passion for working with antiques, vintage, retro, and collectible items and be comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment. This position is physically demanding and is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions throughout the year.

• Assist donors with unloading donations from their vehicles in the designated outdoor intake area.
• Welcome customers and field inquiries while always providing a high level of personalized customer service.
• Accept donations and express appreciation for donor contributions.
• Evaluate donated items according to established guidelines and respectfully decline items that cannot be accepted.
• Move donations for immediate processing, or sort to appropriate location (such as electronic testing area, sanitizing area, etc).
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized donation intake area and workspace.
• Handle physical tasks such as lifting heavy items, standing for extended periods, and working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced setting.
• Support the Thrift Shop team with other duties as needed to ensure efficient store operations.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable nature as assigned.

• Ability to regularly unload donations from customer vehicles.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, twist, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and temperatures.

• Demonstrate a welcoming and appreciative attitude toward donors and customers.
• Communicate professionally courteously with a diverse range of individuals.
• Utilize problem‑solving and de‑escalation skills when addressing questions or concerns.
• Maintain a positive attitude in a busy, fast‑paced environment.

• Interest in or familiarity with antiques, vintage, and collectible items.
• Ability to quickly assess the condition and quality of donated items.
• Ability to learn and apply donation acceptance guidelines consistently.
• Previous retail, thrift store, customer service, or donation intake experience is preferred but not required.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position is currently accepting applications.