Manager, Communications and Stewardship

Fun, rewarding, happy, fulfilling, comfortable, joyful… if you like the sound of that, you would love to work for Best Buddies in Virginia & DC. This is how our team describes what it feels like to work for Best Buddies and be in a mission-driven environment every day.

The Manager, Communications and Stewardship is primarily responsible for developing the communications and awareness plans for Programs and Fundraising throughout the state, including Friendship Walk and Champion of the Year, as well as School Friendship, Citizens, Ambassadors, Transitions and Jobs programs. The goals associated with this position are to create brand and mission awareness as well as supporting fundraising efforts through thoughtful communication plans and calls to action.

The Manager, Communications and Stewardship is part of our staff team, all who support our annual keystone events - the Best Buddies Friendship Walk and the Fun, rewarding, happy, fulfilling, comfortable, joyful… if you like the sound of that, you would love to work for Best Buddies in Virginia & DC. This is how our team describes what it feels like to work for Best Buddies and be in a mission-driven environment every day.

The Manager, Communications and Stewardship is primarily responsible for developing the communications and awareness plans for Programs and Fundraising throughout the state, including Friendship Walk and Champion of the Year, as well as School Friendship, Citizens, Ambassadors, Transitions and Jobs programs. The goals associated with this position are to create brand and mission awareness as well as supporting fundraising efforts through thoughtful communication plans and calls to action.

The Manager, Communications and Stewardship is part of our staff team, all who support our annual keystone events - the Best Buddies Friendship Walk and the Best Buddies Homecoming: Two Parties, One Purpose Gala. There are many opportunities to work on events and activities for area Best Buddies. This is a job you will get a chance to try your skills in many avenues!. There are many opportunities to work on events and activities for area Best Buddies. This is a job you will get a chance to try your skills in many avenues!

Remote work two days each week (Mondays and Fridays); Paid short- and long-term disability insurance, Medical FSA and Dependent Care FSA; 50% match for 401(k) Plan after 6 months of employment. Cellular phones and data devices reimbursement and Pet Benefits Solutions savings.

Best Buddies is committed to creating a healthy work environment, one that promotes and supports wellness of each employee. Wellness Benefits include: ClassPass monthly fitness platform, and Headspace meditation and Headspace care.

Best Buddies believes all staff should practice work life balance. Our efforts are designed to make this practice possible. For this reason, Best Buddies provides vacation time to employees from day one of service.

Professional development: sessions offered virtually include DEI, leadership and development. Annual Staff Leadership Conference and Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference, plus tuition reimbursement.

The opportunity to work in a kind, laid-back office with passionate and friendly colleagues who are committed to making our community more inclusive and believe in friendships for everyone.

Job Requirements – Qualified applicants must have:

• Bachelor’s degree or 1-3 years’ relevant experience in general fundraising administration and planning and external communications including email, social media, and mail.
• Strong project/time management skills - including planning, analysis, attention to detail, problem solving, and ability to effectively multitask
• Strong persuasive writing and presentation skills with the ability to exert influence, inspire others, and articulate the mission, goals, and activities of Best Buddies with passion and enthusiasm
• Excellent editing and proofreading skills
• Ability to provide quality results under pressure and strict deadlines
• 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
• Ability to write and distribute a press release to targeted members of the media
• Ability to build, establish and maintain relationships with regional press contacts
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, and familiarity/comfort with database management systems (i.e., Raisers Edge, Salesforce)
• Initiative, dependability, drive for results, and self-assessment skills
• Must be adaptable and able to quickly and effectively develop and balance multiple relationships, and get results from a variety of people
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Must be comfortable engaging with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and working with them in a supporting role
• Must be comfortable with frequent travel throughout the state, use personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary in order to accomplish job responsibilities