Deputy Director, Mission Advancement (State)

Best Buddies International•Peoria, IL

8h•$52,000 - $57,000

About The Position

The Deputy Director, Mission Advancement is responsible for standardizing and executing statewide external communication, engagement, and stewardship efforts. The role also develops strategies for statewide logistical support of fundraising and fund development initiatives, including special events, grants, and donor development. The position supports statewide program planning and volunteer training, coordinates fundraising and event logistics, develops donor and community relationships, and leads communications and public-awareness activities. It also oversees local content for websites and publications, annual communication and marketing plans, and accurate processing and recording of revenue, invoices, and donations.

Requirements

At least 2–4 years of relevant experience in fundraising administration and planning and external communications, including email, social media, and mail.
Strong project and time management skills, including planning, analysis, attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective multitasking.
Strong persuasive writing and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and inspire others and communicate Best Buddies’ mission, goals, and activities with passion and enthusiasm.
Proficiency managing multiple digital platforms, including content management systems, email marketing software, and social media tools.
Basic photography and photo-editing skills.
Ability to shoot and edit video using a digital camera and video-editing software.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity or comfort with database management systems such as Salesforce, Givesmart, and Summa.
Initiative, dependability, drive for results, and self-assessment skills.
Adaptability and the ability to quickly develop and balance multiple relationships and get results from a variety of people.
Comfort engaging with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and working with them in a supporting role.
Comfort with frequent travel throughout the state, use of a personal cell phone, and evening and weekend work as needed.

Responsibilities

Support statewide planning and standardization of program events and volunteer training, focusing on logistics and processes.
Integrate program participants and staff into regional fundraising and awareness efforts, and coordinate with program staff on grant communications that highlight local programs.
Work with program leads to develop and facilitate statewide leadership training materials for volunteers.
Collaborate with state staff to develop materials for program expansion and engagement with participants, parents, employers, and others.
Help develop a statewide growth pipeline by contacting schools, community groups, corporations, and other organizations as determined by the State or Area Director.
Support the Area Director with special-event logistics, including publicity, event experience, database reports, communications, volunteer engagement, show flow, and auction preparation.
Support local fundraising activities, including foundation and corporate giving, individual giving, major gifts, special events, annual giving, and alumni and parent relations.
Identify, cultivate, and develop volunteers who can make personal commitments and participate in solicitation on behalf of Best Buddies.
Develop and manage donor stewardship, including gift processing and thank-you letters.
Help secure local and statewide monetary and in-kind partnerships and event sponsorships.
Write solicitation copy, sponsorship decks, event marketing materials, and program resources.
Directly oversee Giving Tuesday and End of Year Appeal fund development campaigns.
Help maintain the standardized calendar and timeline of programmatic and event activations, including kickoffs, incentives, and communications.
Develop a regional public-awareness strategy and work with local staff to implement it.
Build Best Buddies’ statewide presence through public speaking, community involvement, public service announcements, social media campaigns, news releases, and other media initiatives.
Oversee organization of local content and images for state website updates.
Oversee creation and distribution of local annual reports and e-newsletters.
Develop and manage an annual communications and marketing plan using email, social media, and direct mail.
Increase social media fans, followers, and overall virtual community engagement.
Build and maintain relationships with local media markets across the state.
Develop content for print and electronic promotional materials, event and program materials, decks, and slideshow presentations.
Take and edit photos, record video, capture testimonials, and livestream events.
Ensure donors and sponsors are recognized on appropriate event, state, and national websites and in state e-newsletters.
Stay current with nonprofit-sector communications and marketing trends and best practices.
Maintain timely communications with the Area Director, including reports and other information as directed.
Oversee timely and accurate processing of revenue and invoices and maintain accurate donation records and donor information in Raisers Edge.