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Donation Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Donation Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$24.2K

$75.1K

$168.4K

How much do donation associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for donation associate in Chicago, IL is $75,107.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,500.00 and $115,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a donation associate?

Donation Associates are professionals who assist in collecting, sorting, and processing donated goods in organizations such as thrift stores, charities, or non-profits. Their responsibilities often include receiving donations from the public, ensuring items meet quality standards, organizing inventory, and sometimes helping customers or donors. Donation Associates play a crucial role in ensuring that donated items are safely and efficiently handled, supporting the organization's mission to redistribute goods or raise funds. This position often requires good organizational skills, customer service abilities, and sometimes physical stamina for lifting and moving items.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a donation associate?

To thrive as a Donation Associate, you need strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle and sort donated goods, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with inventory management systems and point-of-sale (POS) software is typically beneficial. Excellent interpersonal skills, teamwork, and a strong work ethic help you engage donors and maintain a positive environment. These abilities are essential for efficiently processing donations, supporting organizational goals, and creating a positive experience for donors and shoppers.

What are some common challenges donation associates face when processing incoming donations, and how can they be managed?

Donation Associates often encounter challenges like sorting high volumes of varied donated items, handling heavy or bulky goods, and ensuring all items meet organizational quality standards. Staying organized, communicating effectively with team members, and following established sorting guidelines help manage these challenges. Many organizations provide training and encourage teamwork to create a supportive environment, making it easier to process donations efficiently and maintain a positive donor experience.

What is the difference between Donation Associate vs Fundraising Coordinator?

AspectDonation AssociateFundraising Coordinator
Primary RoleAssist with donation processing, donor communication, and data entryPlan, organize, and execute fundraising campaigns and events
Required SkillsCustomer service, data management, communicationEvent planning, donor relations, project management
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, charity events, office settingsNonprofits, community organizations, event venues
Common CertificationsNone required, but familiarity with CRM software helpfulFundraising or nonprofit certifications advantageous

While both roles support nonprofit missions, a Donation Associate primarily handles donation processing and donor communication, whereas a Fundraising Coordinator focuses on planning and executing fundraising campaigns. The roles often overlap in nonprofit settings, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What does a donation associate do at Goodwill?

A donation associate at Goodwill is responsible for accepting, sorting, and processing donated items, ensuring they are properly organized for resale. They may also assist donors, maintain the donation area, and help with inventory management using basic tools or systems. The role often requires good customer service skills and physical activity, such as lifting and standing for extended periods.

What are the most commonly searched types of Donation jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Donation jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Donation Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Donation Associate job openings:

Donation Associate jobs near you

Donation Processing Associate

Mundelein, IL • On-site

The Salvation Army
Non-Profits • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about The Salvation Armyexternal

$15 - $16/hr

Part-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Salvation Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Donation Processing Associate - The Salvation Army

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international movement and part of the universal Christian church. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Our thrift stores play a vital role in funding our Adult Rehabilitation Centers and providing affordable shopping options to our neighbors.

About the Role

Join our team as a Donation Processing Associate where you'll be the first point of contact for our generous donors. This role combines customer service, donation processing, and mission-driven work to support The Salvation Army's community programs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide exceptional donor service by greeting donors and offering assistance
  • Process and track donations accurately
  • Maintain a clean and well-organized donation area
  • Sort, load, and unload Salvation Army trucks per center policy
  • Power sort donations as they arrive (where applicable)
  • Support production processes as needed
  • Safeguard all donated materials and assigned equipment
  • Report any complaints, damage, or injuries occurring in the donation area
  • Guide donors on acceptable materials and provide information about pickup services for heavy items

What You'll Need to Succeed

Required Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or currently pursuing
  • Strong English communication skills for donor and team interactions
  • Basic computer skills and ability to learn new systems
  • Basic math skills
  • Ability to pass pre-employment background check
  • Must be available for a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and evenings

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds
  • Occasionally lift and move up to 100 pounds
  • Stand for extended periods
  • Walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch as needed
  • Work in various weather conditions (outdoor exposure)

What Success Looks Like

  • Positive donor feedback
  • Clean and organized donation area
  • Meeting daily production goals
  • Strong team collaboration
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality
  • Accurate donation tracking and receipting

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

Pay Rate: $15.00-$16.00/hr

Status:Part-time, up to 20 hours per week (Includes Saturday)

Hours: 10:00am-3:00pm (hours may vary)

Part-Time Benefits Package

Insurance & Financial Benefits

  • 403(b) retirement savings plan (immediate eligibility)
  • Voluntary life insurance options available

Paid Time Off (Pro-rated for part-time)

  • Vacation days (accrual begins after first month, eligible after 90 days)
  • Personal days (eligible after 90 days)
  • Sick days with discretionary days
  • Paid holidays (immediate eligibility)

What Salvation Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Salvation Army logo

About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

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