Thrift Store Experience Manager

Thrift Store Experience Manager

Reports To: Executive Director                                                                                    Department: Renewed Hope
Benefits: Full-time, health, dental, vision insurance, Vacation/Sick Leave, Simple IRA, Exempt status

About Renewed Hope Thrift Store

Renewed Hope Thrift Store is part of Family Crisis Centers, a statewide Iowa nonprofit that walks with people facing violence and harm, offering free, confidential support that helps them regain safety and stability over time. Every purchase and donation at Renewed Hope directly supports that mission, making it possible for people across Iowa to access help when they need it most. We're growing, and we're looking for people who want to be part of something that matters.

Position Summary:

The Thrift Experience Manager is responsible for shaping the culture, community presence, and visual identity of Renewed Hope Thrift Store. This role leads volunteer engagement, donation flow, merchandising, and overall store atmosphere to create a welcoming and mission-driven experience for every customer and community member. The Thrift Experience Manager works alongside the Store Operations Manager, who oversees daily store operations, staffing, and systems. Together, these roles ensure the store operates efficiently while delivering an engaging and meaningful customer experience aligned with the mission of Family Crisis Centers.

Key Responsibilities:

Staff & Volunteer Leadership

• Assist in the supervision of staff and volunteers, providing guidance, motivation, and constructive feedback.
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and screening new hires in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Address performance concerns within the thrift store in coordination with Human Resources.
• Recruit volunteers from the community, including local businesses, schools, faith communities, and individuals.
• Onboard, train, and schedule volunteers in coordination with the Store Operations Manager.
• Create a positive and engaging volunteer experience that encourages retention and community advocacy.
• Recognize and celebrate volunteer contributions in meaningful ways.
• Maintain consistent communication and support for all volunteers.

Donation Flow and Back Room Operations

• Oversee intake, sorting, and processing of donated items.
• Maintain an organized and efficient back room to ensure timely movement of inventory to the sales floor.
• Ensure donation standards are followed and items not meeting criteria are handled appropriately.
• Coordinate donation drop-off processes and support donor appreciation efforts.
• Work closely with the Store Operations Manager to ensure alignment between operations and customer experience.
• Communicate regularly to support efficient inventory flow and consistent store presentation.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized store environment, including conducting daily safety inspections.
• Support store initiatives that drive traffic, donations, and overall store performance.

Store Merchandising and Visual Presentation

• Design and maintain store layout and displays that are visually appealing, organized, and welcoming.
• Refresh merchandising regularly to reflect seasons, trends, and incoming inventory.
• Lead the design and execution of specialty displays (seasonal features, curated sections, and highlighted merchandise), ensuring they are creative, engaging, and aligned with the Renewed Hope brand.
• Ensure the store environment reflects the warmth, dignity, and mission of Renewed Hope.
• Bring a creative and inclusive perspective to broaden the store’s appeal across diverse audiences.
• Stay informed on resale, consignment, and thrift retail trends.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

• Represent Renewed Hope at community events to increase awareness, volunteer engagement, and donations.
• Build and maintain relationships that support store growth and community connection.
• Partner with the Executive Director on outreach strategies that align with the capital campaign and FCC mission.
• Co-lead the planning and execution of store events, promotions, and community initiatives in partnership with the Store Operations Manager.
• Support storytelling efforts that communicate the impact of Renewed Hope.
• Work with the Director of Marketing to implement promotional campaigns, seasonal sales, and marketing strategies to boost store traffic and donations.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure adherence to all agency policies, procedures, and confidentiality standards.
• Support a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for staff, volunteers, and customers.
• Report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.

Staff Wellness & Support

• Contribute to a positive, mission-driven team culture across staff and volunteers
• Communicate effectively with staff and supervisors to foster a supportive work environment, ensure clarity in expectations, and promote collaboration to enhance services.
• Adhere to all Family Crisis Centers’ policies, procedures, and confidentiality.
• Adapt to evolving organizational needs by taking on additional responsibilities as necessary.
• Support agency-wide initiatives and assist with special projects as needed.

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience: Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
  • Experience in supervision and/or two years of related retail management
  • Experience sales tracking, inventory systems, and budget oversight.
• Skills and Knowledge: Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
  • Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
  • Passion for mission-driven work and experience working with volunteers preferred.

• Ability and willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Background Requirements: Must pass all required background checks, including/not limited to:
  • Criminal and child/dependent adult abuse background checks
  • Sex Offender Registry clearance
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and adequate motor vehicle insurance.

FCC is an equal opportunity employer. FCC is fair and impartial in all of its relations with its employees and applicants for employment and makes all employment related decisions without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic status, parental responsibility, language, national origin, age, health status (including HIV-positive), physical or mental disability, or any other categories protected by federal, state, or local law.