Jobs at upcycle
Join our team of artists, educators and resourceful eco-citizens.
UpCycle is a nonprofit that connects creativity and conservation by providing a resource center for the purchase and donation of reuse materials and a creative making space for the community.
At UpCycle, we rethink the traditional notion of waste by collecting cast-offs from our community to serve as creative materials for our programs and customers.
UpCycle is a nonprofit that connects creativity and conservation by providing a resource center for the purchase and donation of reuse materials and a creative making space for the community.
At UpCycle, we rethink the traditional notion of waste by collecting cast-offs from our community to serve as creative materials for our programs and customers.
BECome a member of our board of directors
UpCycle is currently recruiting members for our Board of Directors. We are looking for people who are interested in the connection between conservation and creativity and have expertise in an area that will help UpCycle succeed. The Board of Directors is volunteer-based and meets monthly. Currently, UpCycle is seeking Board Members with experience in one or more areas:
Position
The Board supports the work of UpCycle Creative Reuse Center and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by UpCycle’s Executive Director (ED), the Board-ED relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. Service on UpCycle’s Board of Directors is without remuneration, but the organization reimburses all board related expenses.
Board Member Responsibilities
Leadership, Governance and Oversight
Fundraising
UpCycle Board Members will consider UpCycle a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity so that the organization can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals.
Board Terms and Participation
UpCycle’s Board Members will serve a two-year minimum term. Board meetings are held monthly and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full Board meetings. As needed, Board members will be asked to participate and/or have a presence in UpCycle community events and annual programs. Board members will be requested to meet quarterly for team building events with staff and teachers to promote communication and collaboration across the organization.
Qualifications
This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about UpCycle’s mission and wants to give back to their community. His/her accomplishments will allow him/her to attract other well-qualified, high-performing Board Members. Ideal candidates will have a combination of the following qualifications:
Application Process
For more information about UpCycle, please visit the History tab of our website. If you are interested in joining UpCycle's Board, please email your resume to [email protected].
- Legal
- Human Resources & Operations
- Retail
- Marketing
- Volunteer Coordination
Position
The Board supports the work of UpCycle Creative Reuse Center and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by UpCycle’s Executive Director (ED), the Board-ED relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. Service on UpCycle’s Board of Directors is without remuneration, but the organization reimburses all board related expenses.
Board Member Responsibilities
Leadership, Governance and Oversight
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director as s/he implements UpCycle’s strategic plan
- Support organizational health and growth
- Create and review outcomes and metrics for the organization in partnership with staff for evaluating impact and regularly measuring performance and effectiveness
- Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments
- Review agenda and supporting materials prior to Board and committee meetings
- Approve UpCycle’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities
- Contribute to an annual performance evaluation of the Executive Director
- Assist the Executive Director and Board Chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members
- Partnering with the Executive Director and other board members to ensure that Board resolutions are carried out
- Representing UpCycle to stakeholders and acting as an ambassador for the organization
- Ensuring UpCycle’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities UpCycle serves
Fundraising
UpCycle Board Members will consider UpCycle a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity so that the organization can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals.
Board Terms and Participation
UpCycle’s Board Members will serve a two-year minimum term. Board meetings are held monthly and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full Board meetings. As needed, Board members will be asked to participate and/or have a presence in UpCycle community events and annual programs. Board members will be requested to meet quarterly for team building events with staff and teachers to promote communication and collaboration across the organization.
Qualifications
This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about UpCycle’s mission and wants to give back to their community. His/her accomplishments will allow him/her to attract other well-qualified, high-performing Board Members. Ideal candidates will have a combination of the following qualifications:
- Professional experience with leadership accomplishments in retail, marketing, human resources and operations, legal, volunteer coordination or the nonprofit sector
- A commitment to and understanding of UpCycle’s stakeholders, preferably based on experience with UpCycle’s programs and/or materials center
- Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of UpCycle’s stakeholders
Application Process
For more information about UpCycle, please visit the History tab of our website. If you are interested in joining UpCycle's Board, please email your resume to [email protected].
shop/donations assistant
UpCycle is seeking to fill a part-time Shop Staff position. This position is responsible for working in the UpCycle shop and handling all aspects of the customer shopping experience. This role is also responsible for aiding in accepting, sorting, and storing donated materials. This position reports to the Store Manager and is an hourly position. Pay is $13/hour. Working hours for this position are Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:45-6:15 PM and Sundays from 9:45 AM - 4:15PM. Some hours on Saturdays may also be available.
Responsibilities
Preferred Qualifications:
UpCycle is located at 5380-D Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, Virginia 22304. The location is Metro accessible (King Street Station) and free parking is available on-site.
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to the Store Manager, Rachel Witt, at [email protected].
Responsibilities
- Welcome shoppers and orient new customers to the shop inventory and layout
- Check out customers using the Square software, e.g., cash and credit card purchases, number of bags of materials ‘purchased’ by UpCycle members
- Balance the cash box at the end of every day
- Help receive and sort donations and restock shop inventory
- Answer the UpCycle phone while the shop is open and handle any phone messages
- Assist UpCycle’s Program Coordinator as necessary during shop hours
- Help keep the shop tidy and assist in merchandising
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to work in a dynamic retail environment
- Strong customer service skills and willingness to engage with customers
- Able to lift 20lbs and work in an active environment
- Ability to work independently
- Undergo background checks, in accordance with local law/regulations
UpCycle is located at 5380-D Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, Virginia 22304. The location is Metro accessible (King Street Station) and free parking is available on-site.
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to the Store Manager, Rachel Witt, at [email protected].
program Teachers
UpCycle seeks experienced teachers for youth programs including (but not limited to): birthday parties, after-school programs (on and offsite), field trips and groups, Scout badge programs. Teachers are independent contractors and are usually contracted for multiple projects and/or months of teaching.
The number of teaching hours varies seasonally. Currently, teachers are weekday afternoons from March to June for after school programming at Alexandria recreation centers and for summer camps (June - August).
UpCycle Teacher responsibilities:
Requirements:
Background check required.
To apply, send resumé and cover letter to [email protected].
The number of teaching hours varies seasonally. Currently, teachers are weekday afternoons from March to June for after school programming at Alexandria recreation centers and for summer camps (June - August).
UpCycle Teacher responsibilities:
- Prepare and teach programs per UpCycle mission, curriculum, and/or guidelines; adhere to program descriptions, expectations, and outcomes.
- Gather and return materials to/from the Materials Center; set up materials and space (tables, chairs, etc.) and clean up after scheduled program.
- Travel to/from the Materials Center and/or offsite locations (usually in Alexandria).
- Commit to scheduled programs or find a substitute UpCycle teacher when necessary.
- Represent UpCycle Creative Reuse Center and serve as a knowledgeable advocate and resource for parents, teachers, and others.
- Assist with sales, donations, and other duties in the Materials Center as required.
Requirements:
- Experience with children (preschool to high school), preferably in an informal, non-classroom setting such as a museum, library, or other educational organization.
- Experience working with diverse youth populations with kindness, acceptance, and care; experience with neurodiverse youth a plus.
- Experience planning and teaching collaboratively with co-teachers, program coordinators, or other colleagues.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and implement educational experiences that emphasize discovery, creativity, play, problem-solving, and resourcefulness.
- Interest in conservation, recycling, and/or creative reuse.
- Familiarity with some art processes and media, especially with regards to fostering creativity and/or interest in teaching youth art.
Background check required.
To apply, send resumé and cover letter to [email protected].
Volunteer opportunities
Contact us at [email protected] to learn more about UpCycle's volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved.