Job Description

Volunteer Position: E-Commerce Manager

Organization:

The Humane Choices Foundation

Location:

Remote

Commitment:

Part-time Volunteer (5-7 hours per week)

Category:

E-Commerce, Digital Strategy, Marketing

About The Humane Choices Foundation

The Humane Choices Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization based in Ontario, Canada, dedicated to protecting and defending the inherent rights of all animals. Through education, advocacy, and direct action, we promote compassion, respect, and ethical treatment for all living beings.

As the Foundation moves into its next stage of digital development, we are

building a new ethical e-commerce platform

that will support our mission, expand our reach, and generate sustainable fundraising opportunities. We are seeking a strategic and experienced volunteer to help shape and guide this initiative from the ground up.

Position Overview

The

E-Commerce Manager (Volunteer)

will play a central leadership role in the development, launch, and future growth of The Humane Choices Foundation's e-commerce platform.

You will provide input on platform selection, structure, product strategy, integrations, and long-term sustainability. You will guide the digital team as we build the platform and help ensure that the finished system reflects professionalism, compassion, and ethical consumer values.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with hands-on experience in online retail, digital systems, or social enterprise development.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Input on Platform Buildout

Provide expert guidance on

platform

(Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, Webflow, etc.) based on cost, scalability, features, and nonprofit suitability. Offer strategic recommendations on store structure, product categories, user experience, and branding alignment. Collaborate with the Director of Digital Infrastructure to determine technical requirements, integrations, and best practices. Identify and suggest tools for inventory management, automations, CRM links, and donation workflow integration.

E-Commerce Platform Development

Oversee the conceptualization and planning of the online store as it is being built. Support developers by reviewing wireframes, page designs, product layouts, and navigational flow. Ensure the store meets modern standards for accessibility, ease of use, mobile responsiveness, and SEO.

Product Strategy & Merchandising

Help define a mission-aligned product catalog that supports ethical, cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainably sourced items. Provide input on vendor selection, pricing models, and merchandising strategy. Assist in creating compelling product descriptions and visuals.

Marketing & Fundraising Integration

Collaborate with social media and communications teams to prepare launch content and promotional strategies. Advise on digital marketing campaigns, ambassador opportunities, and limited-edition advocacy merchandise. Recommend analytic tools to track engagement, conversion rates, and store performance.

Customer Experience & Operations

Help design customer experience flows including checkout, returns, inquiries, and automated messaging. Provide input on shipping, fulfillment options, and packaging aligned with cruelty-free and eco-friendly standards. Ensure security, privacy, and compliance are built into the platform from the beginning.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Participate in building a small volunteer digital team to support the store's ongoing operations. Support coordination between designers, web developers, and communications staff. Attend strategic planning meetings and contribute insights into e-commerce growth and sustainability.

Qualifications & SkillsRequired

Experience with e-commerce development or management (Shopify, WooCommerce, Webflow, etc.). Understanding of product strategy, merchandising, online user experience, and digital workflows. Strong organizational and strategic planning skills. Ability to provide direction and constructive feedback during platform development. Working knowledge of design tools. Passion for ethical consumerism, sustainability, and animal rights.

Preferred

Experience working with nonprofits or mission-driven organizations. Knowledge of SEO, digital marketing, social media integration, and CRM tools. Familiarity with ethical supply chains or sustainable product sourcing. Experience supporting or supervising volunteer teams.

What You'll Gain

A leadership role in building a brand-new ethical e-commerce platformfor a national nonprofit. Ability to shape long-term digital fundraising strategy and organizational sustainability. Collaboration with an innovative, compassionate leadership team. Real-world experience in social enterprise creation and nonprofit e-commerce strategy. Recognition as a core contributor to the Foundation's digital transformation.

Commitment

5-7 hours per week, flexible remote schedule.

Participation in virtual team meetings and buildout planning sessions.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 5 - 7 per week

Application question(s):

Please confirm your understanding that this is an unpaid volunteer position: Yes / No. Our mission promotes reducing harm to animals and advancing plant-based solutions. What aspects of this mission resonate with you?
Education:

Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:

E-commerce: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: Remote