Program Manager

Best Buddies Int. Inc•Matthews, NC

12d•$39,000 - $45,000

About The Position

The Program Manager works with people throughout their community to advance Best Buddies’ mission through school- and community-based Friendship Programs. The role supports chapter and community leadership, manages and engages volunteers, and helps ensure an inviting, inclusive, volunteer-driven experience for program participants, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As a primary contact for participants, the Program Manager provides resources and regular communication about program policies, database and training tools, deadlines, expectations, and upcoming events. The role supports participant and chapter recruitment, hosts virtual and in-person trainings and engagement activities, and encourages chapter advisors and student leaders to participate in the Annual Leadership Conference. The position also supports program operations, marketing, and fundraising. It involves frequent travel, use of a personal cell phone, and evening and weekend work as necessary. The role requires reliable transportation, which may be an automobile with applicable insurance or another reliable option.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or two years of relevant volunteer-management experience.
Comfort engaging with people with IDD, including youth and adults.
Adaptability and ability to quickly develop and balance multiple relationships and achieve results with a variety of people.
Basic project and time-management skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong initiative, drive for results, and self-assessment skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Understanding of multiple communication platforms and proficiency with social media.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently, use a personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary.
Access to an automobile with applicable insurance or other reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Best Buddies program experience.

Responsibilities

Support chapters through consistent communication using virtual networks, online platforms, and in-person meetings.
Provide mission-focused guidance and support to chapter members and volunteers so they work toward program outcomes.
Share information about web-based resources and training opportunities.
Track reporting and chapter updates using online platforms.
Communicate program goals, responsibilities, and risk policies, including chapter dues, buddy pair matching, and chapter leadership development.
Support volunteers’ growth within Best Buddies during and after their academic careers, including connection to the Best Buddies Jobs program.
Manage state citizen matches and support and cultivate corporate chapters.
Host community trainings to promote awareness of and engagement in the Best Buddies mission, including corporate partner, Ambassadors, and e-Buddies trainings.
Work with local, state, and national teams to promote Best Buddies through social media and other marketing efforts.
Represent Best Buddies programs through public speaking, community involvement, and other initiatives.
Support stewardship by providing information about volunteer engagement, friendship matches, and program impact.
Communicate opportunities for volunteers to take part in organization-wide marketing efforts, including Spread the Word and cause marketing campaigns.
Promote adherence to the Best Buddies style guide for chapter printing and merchandise projects.
Advance local, state, and national fundraising efforts by providing direct support and engaging volunteers.
Attend and support state fundraising events and national events as requested.
Provide program-impact data and assessments for fundraising proposals and reports to donors and constituents.
Ensure chapter participation in the Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference and the state’s Friendship Walk.
Follow Best Buddies policies and procedures, including incident-reporting standards.
Maintain confidential and sensitive Best Buddies information and participant personally identifiable information.
Use Bene, Microsoft Outlook, social media, and Salesforce to communicate with participants and the community.
Maintain data integrity and tracking across systems.
Follow staff professional standards when working with volunteers and participants, including policies on social media, attire, and Best Buddies email accounts.