Work Study Student Associate - Non-profit & Retail Support
Our Work Study Student Associate (Non-profit & Retail Support) positions are available to students who have been approved for Federal Work Study. These positions involve supporting our leadership and management teams with boutique operations to ensure our long-term, continued ability to help clients transition out of poverty. Ours is a thriving non-profit in that it is primarily funded through the operation of our functioning retail thrift store departments, and our associated events.
MSC Work Study associates can expect to gain real-life experience while acquiring resume-enhancing skill sets needed to run a successful business and/or non-profit. Student Associates will be exposed to a wide range of job areas and activities to increase their awareness of career possibilities and to support our organization and the clients we serve. Depending on priority and need, interest and availability, associates can expect to be assigned to work in the following work areas:
- Hospitality and Event Management – Student Associates will have the opportunity to assist in planning MSC functions, representing MSC at other local business-sponsored events, as well as carrying out tasks to ensure event success both pre- and post-event.
- Retail Sales, Fashion & Apparel Merchandising – Associates will gain real-life experience in brand management, fashion merchandising, quality standardization, retailing, in-store sales, including the new Formal/Bridal Boutique and public relations with supervision. Learn opening and closing store responsibilities, deposits, and daily reporting. Contribute ideas for sales, merchandising, store layout of stock, and seasonal marketing.
- Supply Chain Management – Assess donations of clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry, etc. for value, quality, and placement. Help to sort items into multiple categories, and train volunteers in related tasks. Support our environmental initiative, referred to as, The Green Side of Pink, by transitioning MSC’s undesirable stock to other agencies, and recycling non-clothing items.
- E-Commerce Support and Management – Assist with preparing merchandise for sale, researching item prices, ensure quality meets our standards, documenting any flaws, and ensuring brand authenticity. Confirm department sales goals are met, communicating sales and new items to shoppers; tracking inventory and updating spreadsheets.
- Operations and Maintenance – Keep the entire boutique clean and neat, assisting with tasks such as organizing, polishing shoes and jewelry, wiping down racks, sorting client products, returning merchandise. Sort, steam, tag, and price merchandise for placement in appropriate departments.
- Volunteer Coordination & Human Resource Management – Help to organize, schedule, and recruit volunteers. Assist in training them with correct ticketing, donations receipt, or supply chain needs.
- Traditional & Social Media Marketing – Assist with marketing efforts by creating displays, photographing models and merchandise, and stocking items for social media ads and print marketing.
- Donor Database Management – Enter and Scrub relevant data related to MSC donors and supporters, fulfilling tasks as needed to ensure continued support (including composing notes, thank you cards, birthday and anniversary wishes, etc.).
- Client Support Services – Assist Client Services team with tasks necessary to serve clients who come in to MSC for services.
The following are expected of all MSC associates:
- Attend any MSC Team meetings and volunteer training sessions.
- Contribute to a positive store atmosphere, making sure MSC is viewed as an attractive and compelling destination.
- Other duties, as assigned, as needed to help ensure the long-term success of MSC’s mission.
Hourly Wage: $13.70
Additional benefits: Student associates receive a 30% off discount and $1/hour towards the purchase of merchandise.
Typical Tools Used: Google Drive Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Phone camera, Photo Boxes and photography equipment, Canva and/or Adobe. Others as needed.