STUDENT-FWS-Finger Lakes Toy Library

Finger Lakes Toy Library Work-Study Positions

The Finger Lakes Toy Library is seeking work-study students for the 20262027 academic year. We currently have two open roles: a front-facing position (Open Hours Host/Playtime Assistant) and an administrative position (Fundraising, Marketing, Data Analysis, Toy Cataloging). Full descriptions for each are below.

Position 1: Fundraising, Marketing, Data Analysis, Toy Cataloging

(Administrative Position)

The Finger Lakes Toy Library is seeking a detail-oriented work-study student for the 20252026 academic year! This exciting opportunity focuses on toy inventory management, fundraising, marketing, and data analysis. It allows a student to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, digital cataloging, communications, donor engagement, and impact reporting while supporting a mission that benefits local children and promotes sustainability.

This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in nonprofit management, marketing, fundraising, communications, data analysis, childhood development, or community development.

About the Finger Lakes Toy Library

We are a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving quality of life by increasing access to toys, supporting play, and encouraging a culture of reuse and sharing. Play is invaluable to the development and education of children, and we are proud to positively impact our region's children by making high-quality toys accessible to everyone in the community.

Currently, we serve over 420 members and have an inventory of over 1,700 toys, games, and puzzles. In addition to lending toys, we offer regular community playtime programming across the Finger Lakes region.

Work Study Student Responsibilities

• 1. Inventory Cataloging & Processing
• Process and catalog incoming donations of toys, games, and puzzles.
• Photograph items clearly and draft accurate, engaging descriptions.
• Upload photos and details to our online inventory database so members can browse and borrow them.
• 2. Marketing & Communications
• Create and schedule social media content to promote events, share impact stories, and run campaigns.
• Assist with developing printed materials (e.g., flyers) and support general community outreach efforts.
• 3. Fundraising & Donor Engagement
• Conduct research on prospective donors, grant opportunities, and sponsorship leads.
• Assist the Board with overall fundraising efforts, including business sponsor outreach and the annual appeal.
• 4. Data & Impact Analysis
• Track membership data, event attendance, and money saved by members.
• Analyze data to identify growth opportunities, measure program impact, and prepare summaries or infographics highlighting the Toy Library's reach.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Attributes: Self-motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and capable of working independently.
• Skills: Strong writing and communication skills; basic photography and digital editing abilities (e.g., using a smartphone or digital camera to take clear product photos).
• Interests: An interest in nonprofit operations, collection management, marketing, fundraising, or data analytics.
• Tools: Familiarity with tools like Canva, Google Suite, Excel, Mailchimp, or database management platforms is desired.
• Experience: Previous experience in communications, fundraising, data analysis, or database entry is a plus, but not required.

Position Details

• Time Commitment: 4 hours per week.
• Flexibility: Hours are flexible, with potential for a hybrid arrangement (note: photo/cataloging duties will require in-person work on-site).

Position 2: Open Hours Host/Playtime Assistant

(Front-Facing Position)

The Finger Lakes Toy Library is seeking a work-study student for the 20262027 academic year! This role is an exciting opportunity for a student to benefit local children while gaining valuable experience working with a fast-growing nonprofit.

This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in nonprofit work, fundraising, marketing, childhood development, sustainability, and community and social services.

About the Finger Lakes Toy Library

We are a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving quality of life by increasing access to toys, supporting play, and encouraging a culture of reuse and sharing. Play is invaluable to the development and education of children, especially during early childhood. We are proud to positively impact our region's children by making high-quality toys accessible to everyone in the community.

Currently, we serve approximately 430 member families and have an inventory of over 1,700 toys, games, and puzzles.

In addition to lending toys, we offer regular playtimes in locations throughout the community. Playtimes are held in various locations throughout Ithaca and the surrounding areas, including the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), Southside Community Center, the Sciencenter, GreenStar Food Co-op, Newfield Public Library, Watkins Glen Public Library, and others.

Work-Study Student Responsibilities

• Hosting Open Hours: Hosting weekday open hours at the toy library, welcoming families, and managing the circulation desk (checking toys in and out, processing new memberships).
• Community Playtimes: Assisting with the planning, packing, and hosting of off-site playtime events in Ithaca and surrounding communities during the week.
• Inventory Management: Cleaning, organizing, photographing, and cataloging our toy collection.
• Special Projects: Administrative and fundraising tasks based on the student's unique interests and career goals (e.g., donor research, drafting grant components, preparing marketing and outreach materials).

Desired Skills, Experience, and Availability

• Availability:
• Required: Weekday availability to host open hours at the toy library and potentially assist with off-site playtime events.
• Preferred: Potential availability on Saturdays in the future, should scheduling needs shift.
• Reliability & Accountability: Outstanding reliability and consistent attendance are essential for this role.
• Traits: Applicants should be welcoming, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently.
• Experience: Previous experience in customer service, childcare, child development, or working/volunteering with nonprofits is preferred, but not required.

Position Details

• Commitment: Hours are flexible, with a steady commitment of 6 to 8 hours per week required.

Pay Rate: $17.00 per hour