Coordinator, Development

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Best Buddies is the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families.

Job Title: Coordinator, Development

Department: State Operations and Programs

Reports to: State Director
# of direct reports: None
Salary: $45,000-50,000

Start Date: June 2, 2025

Position Overview: The Coordinator, Development will collaborate with the State Director to secure sustainable funding for statewide programs through the implementation of fundraising events, individual giving campaigns, grant opportunities, and donor relations. The goals associated with this position are to support fundraising efforts and to promote Best Buddies by implementing high-quality events, building strong relationships in the community, and creating thoughtful stewardship plans. 

Job Requirements – Qualified applicants must have:

• Bachelor’s degree or at least four years relevant experience 
• 1-3 years of fundraising experience, including special events planning, donor cultivation and external communications 
• Strong project management skills, including planning, analysis, attention to detail, problem-solving, and ability to effectively multitask

• Must be adaptable and able to quickly and effectively develop and balance multiple relationships and get results from a variety of people

• Strong presentation and public speaking skills with the ability to exert influence, inspire others, and articulate the mission, goals, and activities of Best Buddies with passion and enthusiasm
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with database management systems (i.e. Summa, Salesforce, Raisers Edge)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to maintain a positive and professional demeanor in fast-paced event environments
• Superior initiative, drive for results, self-assessment skills, and ability to lead individuals and teams in setting and achieving challenging goals
• Must be comfortable engaging with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and working with them in a supporting role
• Must travel, use a personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary to accomplish job responsibilities
• Automobile with applicable insurance

Job Duties include, but are not limited to:

Development 

• Support State Director in managing and implementing development initiatives to meet statewide revenue goals, including by not limited to, signature fundraising events, foundation and corporate giving, individual giving, and annual giving campaigns

• Responsible for special event logistics including, but not limited to, vendor management, contract compliance, guest lists, database reports, show flow, in-kind donations, etc.
• Assist in securing, where applicable, in-kind donations such as food, beverage, gift bag items, and silent/live auction items

• Develop and manage the stewardship process of all donors, including processing gifts and thank you letters
• Identify, cultivate, and develop volunteers capable of making personal commitments and becoming directly involved in the solicitation process on behalf of Best Buddies
• Collaborate with local and senior donor relations staff to create messaging for digital appeals including Giving Tuesday, regional Giving Days, and year-end giving campaign
• Research grant opportunities and assist with development of applications and reports 
• Construct prospect lists of potential donors to meet established revenue goals
• Assist in the development and maintenance of fundraising reports and online fundraising conducted through peer-to-peer fundraising sites
• Work with staff to ensure compliance with donor relations “best practices”, including acknowledgments, special recognition, and successful maintenance of donor tracking systems

Marketing & Communications

• Create a strong presence for Best Buddies statewide through public speaking, community involvement, public service announcements, social media campaigns, news releases, and other community engagement initiatives 
• Develop relationships with local influencers, public relations professionals, news organizations and advertising agencies to support local need
• Support State Director in developing and managing annual communication and marketing plan that includes emails, e-newsletters, social media, and direct mail campaigns
• Support staff in writing copy for solicitation pieces, sponsorship decks, event marketing materials, program resources, annual reports, newsletters, etc.

Programs 

• Ensure program participants and staff are appropriately integrated into statewide fundraising/awareness efforts and collaborate with program staff to ensure that donor stakeholder communications are highlighting local program efforts 
• Provide support for Best Buddies programs as needed 

Operations

• Responsible for tracking, coding, and confirming revenue as collected by the local office and received at the headquarters office
• Maintain accurate records of all donations and excellent donor information through database management systems
• Maintain communication with the State Director with timely reports and other information as directed

Best Buddies® is an affirmative action employer, in addition to an EOE and M/F/V/PWD/PV employer. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to Best Buddies International’s core values and help the organization continue to achieve its mission. Here at Best Buddies, our goal is to lead and advocate for a more inclusive world.

Best Buddies offers a comprehensive and generous benefits program that include financial security, health and wellness and time off.                     

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