J-1 Visa Retail Key Holder Jobs
Retail Key Holder positions in the United States are available to exchange visitors through the J-1 Trainee or Intern program categories, depending on your career stage. These roles involve supervisory floor responsibilities, inventory management, and team leadership, all trackable in a structured training plan required for J-1 sponsorship.
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Internship Position Summary
Faherty Brand is seeking a builder — an entrepreneurially spirited MBA candidate with a strong technical foundation and genuine curiosity about what AI can do for consumer retail. This 10-week summer internship is centered on a real, high-impact AI project: you’ll identify a meaningful business problem at Faherty, design and prototype an AI-powered solution, and deliver a working proof of concept that our team can evaluate for implementation. The scope is intentionally broad: your project could live in marketing (e.g., automating performance spend decisions), merchandising (e.g., AI-assisted buying or inventory forecasting), customer experience (e.g., personalization, styling recommendations), or operations (e.g., demand sensing, supply chain optimization). What matters most is that you bring an AI-first mindset, hands-on technical ability, and the creativity to apply emerging tools to real consumer problems. The ideal candidate has a background in computer science, engineering, or a similarly technical discipline — and the business acumen to translate that into impact at a purpose-driven brand.
About the Internship Program
This is a 10-week, paid summer internship based out of Faherty’s New York HQ in the Financial District. You’ll be embedded within a cross-functional team, with regular touchpoints with senior leadership and real exposure to how a purpose-driven, high-growth retail brand makes strategic decisions. This role is project-based — you’ll own a defined AI initiative from scoping through prototype delivery, with the full support of Faherty’s leadership team behind you.
What you’ll do:
- Identify and scope a high-impact AI use case in partnership with your internship manager — drawing from across the business (marketing, merchandising, customer experience, operations, or beyond) — and build a clear problem statement, success criteria, and project plan within the first two weeks
- Design and build a working AI prototype or proof of concept — using tools such as Python, LLM APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic), machine learning frameworks, or no-code/low-code AI platforms — that directly addresses the identified business problem and demonstrates measurable value
- Conduct a landscape analysis of relevant AI tools, vendors, and methodologies applicable to your chosen use case — for example, if working in marketing, evaluating AI-driven budget automation platforms; if working in merchandising, evaluating predictive analytics or demand forecasting tools — and develop a clear recommendation on build vs. buy vs. partner
- Partner cross-functionally with stakeholders across the relevant business area (marketing, technology, finance, or operations) to gather data, validate assumptions, and ensure your solution is grounded in real operational constraints and Faherty’s brand values
- Present a final capstone deliverable to senior leadership at the conclusion of the internship — including your working prototype, a clear articulation of the business case, an implementation roadmap, and a point of view on how Faherty can continue to scale AI adoption across the organization
What you’ll have:
- Currently enrolled in an MBA program with an anticipated graduation of 2027, and an undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science, engineering, applied mathematics, data science, or a related technical field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
- Demonstrated ability to build — you’ve shipped code, built models, or developed AI-powered tools in a professional or academic setting; comfort with Python (or similar) and experience working with LLMs, ML frameworks, APIs, or data pipelines is strongly preferred
- An AI-first mindset with genuine consumer curiosity — you naturally ask “where could AI create value here?” and have experience applying AI tools (generative, predictive, or agentic) in consumer-facing or business contexts, not just academic ones
- Familiarity with the retail or consumer landscape — prior experience in e-commerce, DTC, retail tech, or a consumer-facing brand (through work, internship, or coursework) helps you understand where AI can create the most meaningful impact for our customers and business
- Exceptional communication and storytelling skills — you can translate technical complexity into clear business language and are equally comfortable presenting to engineers and to executives
- Highly collaborative with a hands-on, entrepreneurial spirit and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment
We aim to pay competitively for our size and industry. The pay for this position is $25.00/hour USD, but we will consider location, skill level and experience to determine the final offer.
A bit about us:
Founded in 2013 by Mike and Alex Faherty and Kerry Docherty, Faherty is a family-run lifestyle and apparel brand fueled by purpose and optimism. Our goal: to build a new American legacy by creating high-quality, sustainably minded, feel-good favorites that will bring you joy to wear.
We feel a deep responsibility to do things differently: to promise comfort without compromising quality. To hold ourselves to a higher standard with a lower environmental impact. To leave the world a better place than we found it.
We recognize the impact the fashion industry has on the world, and we’re dedicated to learning how to be better stewards of the planet. We believe the power of conversation and connection can make real change, and we’re committed to supporting people and organizations doing work that we believe in.
Our passionate leadership team comes from different backgrounds but share a singular goal: to deliver on our promise of comfort and craftsmanship. To work side-by-side in a collaborative, energetic, and creative environment every day, like the family we are.
We welcome everyone — and we mean everyone. We believe a diversity of viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds only serve to make our team stronger, which is why we strongly encourage those from historically and systemically marginalized communities to apply: BIPOC, women, and people in the LGBTQIA+ community, to name a few. We strive to lead consciously, bravely, and inclusively — and to reflect those values in our work. Employees should embody the five core values of the Faherty team:
- Always Innovate, constantly seeking creative ways to improve and drive forward.
- Bring Day One passion, energy, and grit to every challenge, iterating relentlessly to exceed expectations.
- Move forward as one with a shared purpose, All Together, fostering inclusivity and collaboration across teams.
- Harness the Power of Positivity, even when things get tough we’re leading with optimism and resilience in every interaction with our team, customers, and communities.
- Deliver with a Timeless focus, ensuring quality and long-term impact in all efforts.
Remain compassionate. Stay focused. Seek joy. Let’s make the world a better place!
Is this job for you?
Internship Position Summary
Faherty Brand is seeking a builder — an entrepreneurially spirited MBA candidate with a strong technical foundation and genuine curiosity about what AI can do for consumer retail. This 10-week summer internship is centered on a real, high-impact AI project: you’ll identify a meaningful business problem at Faherty, design and prototype an AI-powered solution, and deliver a working proof of concept that our team can evaluate for implementation. The scope is intentionally broad: your project could live in marketing (e.g., automating performance spend decisions), merchandising (e.g., AI-assisted buying or inventory forecasting), customer experience (e.g., personalization, styling recommendations), or operations (e.g., demand sensing, supply chain optimization). What matters most is that you bring an AI-first mindset, hands-on technical ability, and the creativity to apply emerging tools to real consumer problems. The ideal candidate has a background in computer science, engineering, or a similarly technical discipline — and the business acumen to translate that into impact at a purpose-driven brand.
About the Internship Program
This is a 10-week, paid summer internship based out of Faherty’s New York HQ in the Financial District. You’ll be embedded within a cross-functional team, with regular touchpoints with senior leadership and real exposure to how a purpose-driven, high-growth retail brand makes strategic decisions. This role is project-based — you’ll own a defined AI initiative from scoping through prototype delivery, with the full support of Faherty’s leadership team behind you.
What you’ll do:
- Identify and scope a high-impact AI use case in partnership with your internship manager — drawing from across the business (marketing, merchandising, customer experience, operations, or beyond) — and build a clear problem statement, success criteria, and project plan within the first two weeks
- Design and build a working AI prototype or proof of concept — using tools such as Python, LLM APIs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic), machine learning frameworks, or no-code/low-code AI platforms — that directly addresses the identified business problem and demonstrates measurable value
- Conduct a landscape analysis of relevant AI tools, vendors, and methodologies applicable to your chosen use case — for example, if working in marketing, evaluating AI-driven budget automation platforms; if working in merchandising, evaluating predictive analytics or demand forecasting tools — and develop a clear recommendation on build vs. buy vs. partner
- Partner cross-functionally with stakeholders across the relevant business area (marketing, technology, finance, or operations) to gather data, validate assumptions, and ensure your solution is grounded in real operational constraints and Faherty’s brand values
- Present a final capstone deliverable to senior leadership at the conclusion of the internship — including your working prototype, a clear articulation of the business case, an implementation roadmap, and a point of view on how Faherty can continue to scale AI adoption across the organization
What you’ll have:
- Currently enrolled in an MBA program with an anticipated graduation of 2027, and an undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science, engineering, applied mathematics, data science, or a related technical field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
- Demonstrated ability to build — you’ve shipped code, built models, or developed AI-powered tools in a professional or academic setting; comfort with Python (or similar) and experience working with LLMs, ML frameworks, APIs, or data pipelines is strongly preferred
- An AI-first mindset with genuine consumer curiosity — you naturally ask “where could AI create value here?” and have experience applying AI tools (generative, predictive, or agentic) in consumer-facing or business contexts, not just academic ones
- Familiarity with the retail or consumer landscape — prior experience in e-commerce, DTC, retail tech, or a consumer-facing brand (through work, internship, or coursework) helps you understand where AI can create the most meaningful impact for our customers and business
- Exceptional communication and storytelling skills — you can translate technical complexity into clear business language and are equally comfortable presenting to engineers and to executives
- Highly collaborative with a hands-on, entrepreneurial spirit and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment
We aim to pay competitively for our size and industry. The pay for this position is $25.00/hour USD, but we will consider location, skill level and experience to determine the final offer.
A bit about us:
Founded in 2013 by Mike and Alex Faherty and Kerry Docherty, Faherty is a family-run lifestyle and apparel brand fueled by purpose and optimism. Our goal: to build a new American legacy by creating high-quality, sustainably minded, feel-good favorites that will bring you joy to wear.
We feel a deep responsibility to do things differently: to promise comfort without compromising quality. To hold ourselves to a higher standard with a lower environmental impact. To leave the world a better place than we found it.
We recognize the impact the fashion industry has on the world, and we’re dedicated to learning how to be better stewards of the planet. We believe the power of conversation and connection can make real change, and we’re committed to supporting people and organizations doing work that we believe in.
Our passionate leadership team comes from different backgrounds but share a singular goal: to deliver on our promise of comfort and craftsmanship. To work side-by-side in a collaborative, energetic, and creative environment every day, like the family we are.
We welcome everyone — and we mean everyone. We believe a diversity of viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds only serve to make our team stronger, which is why we strongly encourage those from historically and systemically marginalized communities to apply: BIPOC, women, and people in the LGBTQIA+ community, to name a few. We strive to lead consciously, bravely, and inclusively — and to reflect those values in our work. Employees should embody the five core values of the Faherty team:
- Always Innovate, constantly seeking creative ways to improve and drive forward.
- Bring Day One passion, energy, and grit to every challenge, iterating relentlessly to exceed expectations.
- Move forward as one with a shared purpose, All Together, fostering inclusivity and collaboration across teams.
- Harness the Power of Positivity, even when things get tough we’re leading with optimism and resilience in every interaction with our team, customers, and communities.
- Deliver with a Timeless focus, ensuring quality and long-term impact in all efforts.
Remain compassionate. Stay focused. Seek joy. Let’s make the world a better place!
See all 174+ Retail Key Holder jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Retail Key Holder roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Retail Key Holder
Document supervisory duties before applying
Your J-1 training plan must tie each retail task to a learning objective. Log current responsibilities, opening procedures, cash reconciliation, staff delegation, so your host employer can build a compliant plan around real duties.
Distinguish Intern from Trainee eligibility early
If you're currently enrolled in a post-secondary program, the J-1 Intern category applies. If you've graduated within the past 12 months or have relevant professional experience, Trainee is the correct category. Applying under the wrong category delays DS-2019 issuance.
Search for host employers using Migrate Mate
Retail chains with structured management development programs are more likely to accommodate a J-1 training plan. Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers actively posting Key Holder and retail supervisor roles aligned with exchange visitor programs.
Confirm your host employer uses E-Verify
Designated J-1 sponsors require host employers to verify work authorization. Retailers not enrolled in E-Verify may be rejected by the sponsor organization during host vetting, stalling your placement before the DS-2019 is ever issued.
Request a written training plan before signing
The DS-7002 training plan must specify weekly objectives, supervision structure, and evaluation schedules. Ask your prospective host employer to draft it before you accept the offer, a vague or incomplete plan is the most common cause of J-1 sponsor rejection.
Check for a two-year home residency requirement
If your country of nationality appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List or your program is government-funded, you may face a two-year home residency requirement after program completion. Confirm your status with your designated sponsor before making long-term career plans.
Retail Key Holder jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Retail Key Holder JobsRetail Key Holder J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Retail Key Holder role?
Most Retail Key Holder placements fall under the J-1 Trainee category, which is designed for foreign nationals who have a degree or professional certificate plus at least one year of experience outside the U.S., or five years of relevant work experience. Current post-secondary students may qualify under the J-1 Intern category instead, provided the role connects to their field of study.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a retail position?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as Cultural Vistas or CIEE, not the retail employer itself. The employer acts as the host organization and signs the DS-7002 training plan. The designated sponsor reviews the training plan, issues the DS-2019 form, and monitors program compliance throughout your stay.
How do I find retail employers willing to host a J-1 exchange visitor?
Not all retailers are set up to host J-1 participants, since they need to commit to a structured training plan and sponsor vetting. Migrate Mate lets you filter for U.S. employers posting Key Holder and retail supervisor roles that align with exchange visitor programs, saving significant time compared to cold outreach to recruiters unfamiliar with the J-1 structure.
Can a Retail Key Holder role satisfy the training plan requirements?
Yes, provided the training plan is specific and progressive. A compliant DS-7002 for a Key Holder role typically covers inventory control systems, loss prevention protocols, shift supervision, and customer escalation procedures, each tied to a defined learning objective and timeline. Generic descriptions like 'assisting with daily operations' are routinely rejected by designated sponsors during review.
Does a Key Holder role ever trigger the two-year home residency requirement?
It can, if your J-1 program is government-financed or your home country's government sponsored your exchange, or if your occupation appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List published by the State Department. Retail management skills are not commonly listed, but you should verify your specific situation with your designated sponsor before accepting a placement and making relocation plans.
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