Retail Business Management Intern

Summary

The Bald Head Island Conservancy on Bald Head Island (BHI), NC, is seeking rising college juniors and seniors interested in Retail Business Management to join our nonprofit gift shop. The Retail Business Management Internship at BHIC’s Gift Shop, Turtle Central, offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for up-and-coming business leaders seeking hands-on experience managing a nonprofit retail operation. This paid summer internship is a 13-week program that immerses interns in the fast-paced world of retail, supporting the Conservancy’s mission-driven programs and research. Interns will live and work on Bald Head Island, accessible by passenger ferry, with golf carts as the primary form of transportation.

What You Will Learn

• Providing excellent customer service through effective communication and engagement.
• Building lasting customer engagement beyond the store through social media, email newsletters, and localized marketing.
• Create visually appealing merchandise displays that highlight the Conservancy’s mission and attract customers.
• Understanding inventory control, tracking product levels, assisting with stock replenishment, and ordering products.
• Management of e-commerce platform, including adding/removing products, SEO, and analyzing sales performance.
• Networking with seasoned retail leaders to gain knowledge in the retail field.
• Develop skills to ensure smooth daily operations, including opening/closing the store, staff scheduling, and break management.
• Community engagement through Information Desk sessions and weekly events, including Turtle Tuesdays, Turtle Trot 5K races, and World Sea Turtle Day.
• Develop business plans and work on an impactful project with lasting impact for the gift shop and Conservancy, including an end-of-program presentation.

Qualifications

• Junior, senior, or recent graduate from an accredited college or university.
• Desired majors include Business Management/Administration, Hospitality, Retail Merchandising, Entrepreneurship, Retail Studies, General Business, or related fields.
• Previous experience in fast-paced environments, including retail, food service, or hospitality.
• Comfortable with basic math skills, lifting/pushing/pulling up to 50 lbs, and repetitive stationary work such as folding apparel and filling out paperwork.
• Interest in pursuing a career in retail management or nonprofit management.
• Ability to work and live with a diverse group of people; communicate effectively and adapt quickly to schedule changes.
• Ability to work in physically challenging environments, including extreme temperatures.
• Self-directed, detail-oriented, and a team player.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License, pass a background check, and be authorized to work in the United States.

Details

Candidates must be able to work up to 50 hours per week, beginning May 11, 2026, through August 14, 2026. Work hours are focused during retail business hours, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm daily, with occasional early morning and/or evening work. Weekend and holiday work is required.

Compensation

Interns will receive a $600/month stipend (pre-tax), with dorm-style housing and utilities provided free of charge. Housing includes a shared bedroom, bathroom, full kitchen, and living quarters. Interns share bedrooms with several other interns. Additionally, BHIC covers parking for one vehicle at Deep Point Marina, NC, and one weekly ferry ticket for personal trips between the island and the mainland. More details: https://bhic.org/who-we-are/internship-programs/.

How to Apply

Email a cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references as 1 PDF to Amy Dunmire at amyd@bhic.org. In the email header, please write “Retail Business Management Internship.” Application deadline is 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 11, 2026—direct questions to Amy Dunmire, Retail Business Manager, at amyd@bhic.org.