Lead, Program Manager

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:  Lead, Program Manager  

Department: State Operations and Programs

Reports to: Deputy Director, Programs 

Salary Range: $44,000-$48,000 

Updated: February 25, 2022 

Position Overview: The primary responsibility of the Program Manager is to work with those throughout their communities to drive the mission of Best Buddies forward through their involvement with our school and community-based Friendship Programs.  Our Program Managers are fundamental to engaging people in our mission and serving as a support person as our members create more inclusive communities for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). The Program Manager is responsible for working closely with our chapter & community leadership to manage our volunteer base and provide a high-quality experience.   This role is fundamental to establishing an environment that is inviting, engaging, inclusive and volunteer driven.   

The Lead, Program Manager’s primary role is to recruit, engage, train, and support volunteer committees and build a strategic community base to move Best Buddies’ mission forward. This included building relationships and identifying potential partnerships and funding sources; identifying Ambassadors for events; working with committees to plan and implement state events, in addition to chapter onboarding and chapter management.

Job Qualifications – Qualified applicants must have:

• Bachelors degree or 3-4 years relevant experience in volunteer and committee management; Best Buddies program experience a plus
• Have experience managing and motivating volunteers.
• Must be comfortable engaging with people with IDD, including youth and adults. 
• Must be adaptable and able to quickly and effectively develop and balance multiple relationships and get results from a variety of people.
• Basic project and time management skills.
• Exhibit strong oral and written communication skills; Ability to adapt & convey; Influence
• Ability to enhance, improve, and change processes and procedures; resolve tactical & operational issues
• Exhibit strong initiative, drive for results, and self-assessment skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A clear understanding of multiple communication platforms and proficient use of social media.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be willing and able to travel frequently, use personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary to accomplish job responsibilities.
• Access to an automobile with applicable insurance or other reliable transportation

Job Duties (include but not limited to):

Programs

• Develop and facilitate leadership trainings specific to the volunteer roles; focus on volunteer engagement; ensure mission advancement and participation in all Best Buddies initiatives. 
• Recruit and manage volunteer committees to implement trainings, manage chapters and advance mission
• Evaluate and track chapter engagement in Best Buddies trainings, including providing certification for advisors and ongoing training opportunities for members and communities.
• Develop and lead community trainings to promote awareness of and engagement in Best Buddies mission, including but not limited to corporate partner trainings, ambassadors, and e-Buddies trainings. 
• Message expectations for participation in all state events and programmatic initiatives.
• Use program analysis to develop support plans and strategic designs for key volunteers to identify opportunities for growth, training needs, and other tactics to advance the mission.
• Ensure participation from all chapters in the Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference and the state’s Friendship Walk. 
• Oversee state citizen matches and support/cultivate corporate chapters. 
• Plan and implement community trainings to promote awareness of and engagement in Best Buddies mission, including but not limited to corporate partner trainings, ambassadors, and e-Buddies trainings. 

Marketing 

• Research social media content opportunities among all different programs (school friendship, citizens, etc.) and follow all local chapter social media accounts
• Represent Best Buddies programs through public speaking, community involvement, and other initiatives.

Fund Raising 

• Assist with the identification and development of fundraising opportunities and partnerships to support regional events and/or programmatic support and expansion.
• Assist with planning and execution of regional events and partnerships as directed by the State/Area Director.  

Operations

• Understanding of standards on processes and be in compliance to the Best Buddies policies and procedures (i.e. incident reporting, etc.)
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive Best Buddies information and participant PII.
• Use Bene, Microsoft Outlook, social media, and Salesforce to appropriately communicate with participants and the community 
• Maintain data integrity and tracking in all systems.
• Abide by all professional standards for staff when working with volunteers and program participants, as detailed in the Best Buddies Staff Policy Handbook, including the use of social media, office attire, and use of Best Buddies email accounts.
• Oversee data integrity and tracking in all systems.

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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