Retail and Events Coordinator

Retail & Events Coordinator Reports to: Events Supervisor FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time Location: Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) – Des Moines, IA (On-Site) Your Mission: Inspire Giving Through Engaging Experiences and Purposeful Retail Do you love combining creativity with strategy to support a cause that matters? As the Retail & Events Coordinator at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, you’ll connect people to our mission in meaningful and memorable ways—whether through retail experiences, pop-up booths, or community events that raise critical funds for animals in need. This role is ideal for someone who is highly organized, customer-focused, and passionate about planning, merchandising, and community engagement. You'll oversee our on-site and online retail operations, help lead fundraising-focused events, and collaborate across departments to bring fun, purpose-driven products and experiences to life. What You’ll Do As the Retail & Events Coordinator, you’ll manage all aspects of the ARL’s retail operations—including inventory, purchasing, merchandising, promotions, and fulfillment. You’ll work directly with vendors to secure the best pricing, maintain strong relationships, and help select ARL-branded merchandise that aligns with our mission and community. You’ll lead in the planning and execution of retail-focused fundraising events like DNA Days, Kitten Shower, Puzzle Demos, and pop-up booths at events like the Iowa State Fair and Pet Expo. You’ll support the Events and Marketing teams by providing retail resources, developing promotional strategies, and assisting with fulfillment of branded items like apparel, calendars, and seasonal offerings. On-site, you’ll be responsible for the point-of-sale system, sales reporting, and shrinkage analysis to ensure accurate inventory and healthy financial outcomes. You’ll also train staff and volunteers on customer service standards, retail best practices, and maintaining a positive shopping experience for every visitor. Above all, you’ll be a mission ambassador—connecting with the community, celebrating the human-animal bond, and finding creative ways to turn retail into rescue. What You Bring You bring at least one year of experience in retail or sales and ideally some experience in event coordination or management. You’ve led or supported operations in a customer-facing role, and you understand how to balance customer service, financial goals, and operational efficiency. A high school diploma or GED is required; a degree in marketing, business, or a related field is preferred. You’re a problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You bring a high degree of professionalism, excellent communication skills, and a love of detail—from vendor negotiations to event setup to analyzing sales performance. You’re confident using Microsoft Office and have basic budgeting or point-of-sale experience. A valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record is required. Working Conditions This role involves both indoor and outdoor work and may include lifting up to 50 lbs. You may occasionally be exposed to animal waste, dander, loud environments, or minor injuries such as scratches. You must be comfortable working in all weather conditions and able to sit or stand for long periods of time. Why Work at the ARL? At the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, your work supports a mission that matters—helping animals find hope, healing, and homes. As a Retail & Events Coordinator, you’ll be part of a dynamic team that brings creativity, compassion, and community together to make a difference. Every shirt sold, every event hosted, and every experience shared helps us save lives. Employment in this position is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the ARL may terminate the employment relationship at any time. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or applicable state regulations, the Animal Rescue League will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations. Tuesday - Saturday 9a-6p occasional late nights & some weekends