Foster Closet Operations Manager

In joyful obedience to Jesus, Fostering Connections supports North Alabama’s foster, adoptive, and kinship families, walking alongside them to meet practical needs, foster meaningful connections, and empower them to thrive in their unique journey. North Alabama Foster Closet (NAFC) represents the Fostering Dignity program of Fostering Connections. We believe that everyone, especially those in foster care, should have access to essential items that contribute to their wellbeing and uphold their sense of dignity. Serving as a comprehensive resource, NAFC offers free tangible necessities such as clothing, shoes, toiletries, linens, and baby equipment to foster, adoptive, and kinship families. 

We are seeking a new Foster Closet Operations Manager to oversee the daily operations of NAFC. This program is not merely transactional distribution; it is relational, prayerful, and a dignity-first act of service in Jesus’ name.  Our excellence in logistics is inseparable from our calling to care for families. To that end, all activities of the Foster Closet Operations Manager must ensure the relational aspect of care remains central, not secondary, to operations. 

The Foster Closet Operations Manager will minister to families, manage donations, volunteers, inventory, and distribution of tangible items, while also engaging community partners to sustain and grow the program. This position is a full-time, salaried role reporting to the Executive Director.          

Key Responsibilities

Closet Ministry (Fostering Dignity Program) Operations

• Manage inventory, including accepting, sorting, and organizing donations.
• Oversee NAFC open/appointment hours for family request fulfillment.
• Maintain a clean, welcoming, and organized facility.
• Implement an inventory management system that documents/values/inventories incoming and outgoing donations (with Board assistance).
• Lead a relational approach to NAFC appointments so families receive time, attention and support, along with the tangible items they need. 

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit, train, and schedule volunteers to assist during open hours and behind-the-scenes work.
• Provide clear direction and appreciation for volunteer contributions.
• Equip volunteers to see their service as ministry opportunities to reflect Christ’s love to children and caregivers

Closet Donation Management

• Write thank-you notes and acknowledgments for closet-specific donors.
• Manage the Amazon wish list to align community giving with current needs.
• Support donation-related events such as seasonal drives, stock turnover, and other initiatives that directly supply NAFC.

Family Engagement

• Maintain personal relationships with connected families who regularly utilize NAFC services.
• Approach all interactions with children and caregivers through a trauma-informed lens, recognizing the stressors of new placements and transitions.
• Serve as a liaison between families and NAFC, coordinating efforts to meet clothing, supply, and resource needs.
• Ensure a welcoming, respectful, and Christ-centered environment for all families.
• Assist the Executive Director in promoting NAFC through social media, community events, and partnerships with local charities and churches.

Technology & Systems

• Over time, implement a systematic platform to manage donations inventory and family requests (currently Google Sheets).
• Support the Executive Director in financial administration by filing expense reports or coding Closet-related expenses (distributions).
• Over time, develop a systematic platform for volunteer management, allowing online sign-ups and tracking.

Program Growth

• Explore opportunities to expand NAFC open or appointment hours and reach more families.
• Coordinate with the Executive Director to align Closet operations with organizational goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in retail, inventory management, or nonprofit program management strongly preferred.
• Social work/psychology degree or a strong understanding of foster care, trauma, and family systems preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage volunteers and foster a welcoming environment.
• Experience with foster, adoptive, and kinship families and serving in a faith-based, Christ-centered organization.

Other Requirements and Considerations

This is not a standard Monday through Friday position. The ideal candidate will have flexibility outside regular business hours to serve families receiving new placements, working caregivers, and those traveling from a distance.

Must be able to lift and carry 30-40 pounds.