What are the responsibilities and job description for the E-Commerce Authentication Associate - South Hackensack, NJ position at Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey?
Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) believes that the power of work and sustainable fashion is how we unlock the good in our communities. For over 100 years, we have helped people get jobs, stay employed, and progress in careers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our workplace. We are committed to fostering our inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and abilities.
Authentication Associate — E-Commerce
Goodwill NYNJ | South Hackensack, NJ | Full-Time
About The Role
Goodwill NYNJ receives donations of all kinds — and hidden within everyday donations are designer handbags, luxury sneakers, vintage jewelry, high-end apparel, and collectibles worth multiples of what an untrained eye might price them at. The Authentication Associate protects our customers, our reputation, and our revenue by ensuring that every item we list as authentic is exactly that.
This is a hands-on, active role at the intersection of brand knowledge, e-commerce operations, and production. You'll authenticate items before they go live, list them accurately and compellingly on ShopGoodwill, eBay, and other marketplaces, and work alongside the production team on the floor every day. If you know your Gucci from a good fake, understand how to spot a replica Air Jordan, and can translate that expertise into listings that drive real bids — this role was built for you.
What You'll Do
Authentication & Brand Verification
When a buyer wins an authenticated Chanel bag or a verified pair of Jordans from our platform, they're not just getting a great deal — they're funding job training and placement programs for people who need it most. Your expertise directly protects that revenue and the trust that keeps buyers coming back. Every correct authentication call is mission in action.
Goodwill NYNJ is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.
#IND3
We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!
If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at humanresources@goodwillny.org. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.
Authentication Associate — E-Commerce
Goodwill NYNJ | South Hackensack, NJ | Full-Time
About The Role
Goodwill NYNJ receives donations of all kinds — and hidden within everyday donations are designer handbags, luxury sneakers, vintage jewelry, high-end apparel, and collectibles worth multiples of what an untrained eye might price them at. The Authentication Associate protects our customers, our reputation, and our revenue by ensuring that every item we list as authentic is exactly that.
This is a hands-on, active role at the intersection of brand knowledge, e-commerce operations, and production. You'll authenticate items before they go live, list them accurately and compellingly on ShopGoodwill, eBay, and other marketplaces, and work alongside the production team on the floor every day. If you know your Gucci from a good fake, understand how to spot a replica Air Jordan, and can translate that expertise into listings that drive real bids — this role was built for you.
What You'll Do
Authentication & Brand Verification
- Physically inspect donated items — apparel, footwear, handbags, accessories, jewelry, collectibles, and other branded goods — to determine authenticity before listing
- Apply brand-specific knowledge and authentication criteria across a wide range of luxury, designer, and high-demand labels including but not limited to Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Coach, Nike/Jordan, Adidas, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Levi's, vintage and contemporary streetwear, and others
- Use authentication tools and resources including Entrupy, loupe magnification, UV lighting, RFID verification, brand reference guides, and third-party authentication platforms as appropriate
- Identify counterfeit, replica, and misrepresented items and remove them from the listing pipeline — escalating flagged items per established policy
- Make clear, documented authentication decisions and stand behind them with supporting evidence
- Stay current on counterfeit trends, evolving replica quality, and emerging high-value brand categories coming through donation streams
- List authenticated items on ShopGoodwill, eBay, and other active marketplaces with accurate, detailed, and brand-appropriate descriptions that convey authenticity and drive buyer confidence
- Photograph items using proper techniques — detail shots of hardware, stitching, logos, date codes, serial numbers, labels, and other authentication markers — so buyers can verify quality remotely
- Research comparable sold listings to support appropriate pricing and starting bids that maximize revenue on authenticated pieces
- Apply correct item specifics, category selections, condition grades, and brand details required by each platform
- Ensure listing language is honest, specific, and consistent with Goodwill's standards and platform policies
- Work alongside the e-commerce production team as an active, physical member of the operation — sorting, tagging, organizing, and staging items for the listing pipeline
- Lift, carry, bend, and stand for extended periods in a warehouse-style production environment
- Help prioritize high-value items for authentication review within the broader production flow
- Support general production goals during lower-authentication-volume periods
- Flag recurring patterns in counterfeit items or mislabeled donations so management can adjust intake and sorting processes upstream
- Contribute to building and maintaining the team's internal authentication reference library and brand guides
- Support training efforts to help production and sorting staff recognize potential high-value or flagged items before they reach general pricing
- Demonstrated knowledge of brand authentication across multiple categories — luxury handbags, footwear, apparel, accessories, jewelry, or collectibles; this expertise is required, not trainable from scratch
- Experience working with authentication tools (Entrupy, loupe, UV light, hardware testers, or similar) preferred
- Familiarity with e-commerce platforms — eBay, ShopGoodwill, Poshmark, Depop, StockX, or similar — and comfort creating listings from scratch
- Strong eye for detail: you notice what others miss, and you're confident defending your assessment
- Understanding of the current resale market — what's trending, what's valuable, and what fakes are flooding the market right now
- Excellent written communication skills for crafting accurate and compelling product descriptions
- Comfortable in an active, physical work environment — this role requires standing, bending, lifting up to 40 lbs, and moving throughout the production floor regularly
- Honest and accountable — authentication is a trust function; this role demands integrity above all else
- High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or certification in gemology, fashion, luxury goods, or a related field is a plus
- Prior work at a consignment shop, luxury resale platform, pawn shop, auction house, or thrift operation with a premium category
- Experience with ebay, StockX, GOAT, The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, or similar authentication-forward platforms
- Knowledge of vintage and collectibles markets — sports cards, vintage toys, vinyl, cameras, or similar
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA) coursework or jewelry authentication background
When a buyer wins an authenticated Chanel bag or a verified pair of Jordans from our platform, they're not just getting a great deal — they're funding job training and placement programs for people who need it most. Your expertise directly protects that revenue and the trust that keeps buyers coming back. Every correct authentication call is mission in action.
Goodwill NYNJ is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.
#IND3
We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!
If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at humanresources@goodwillny.org. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.