You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Retail Business Management Internship

Bald Head Island (BHI) Conservancy
Email

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 the Bald Head Island Conservancy’s Gift Shop, Turtle Central, offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for up-and-coming business leaders seeking hands-on experience managing a non-profit retail operation. This paid summer internship is a 13-week program that immerses you 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 brick & mortar store through engaging 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 and removing products, Search Engine Optimization, and analyzing e-commerce sales performance.
  • Network with seasoned retail leaders from the area to gain knowledge in the retail field.
  • Develop skills to ensure smooth daily operations, including helping with opening and closing the store, efficient staff break periods, and staff scheduling.
  • 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 that addresses an opportunity or area of improvement with lasting impact for the gift shop and the Conservancy, including an end-of-program presentation. 


Qualifications:

  • Candidates must be junior, senior, or recent graduate from any accredited college or university. 
  • Desired majors include (but are not limited to) Business Management/Administration, Hospitality, Retail Merchandising, Entrepreneurship, Retail Studies, General Business, or other related studies. 
  • Previous experience working in a fast-paced environment, including retail, food service, hospitality, etc., is required. 
  • Must be comfortable with:
    • Math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, with access to a calculator
    • Lifting, pushing, pulling, etc., boxes up to 50 pounds
    • Repetitive stationary work, including folding apparel, placing labels, and filling out paperwork. 
  • Candidates must be interested in pursuing a career in retail management or non-profit management.
  • Ability to work and live with a diverse group of people. Willing to communicate effectively, directly, and adapt quickly to changes with work and dormitory schedules.
  • Ability to work in a physically challenging environment, including extreme temperatures, while keeping a positive demeanor.
  • 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. All interns share bedrooms with several other interns. Additionally, the Bald Head Island Conservancy will cover the cost of parking for one vehicle at the Deep Point Marina in Southport, NC, and one weekly ferry ticket for personal daytime 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 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.