Manager, Communications - Best Buddies International

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: Manager, Communications  Department: Strategic Development and MarketingReports to: Vice President, Communications# of direct reports: 0Salary Range: $45,000 – $55,000Revised date: 10/10/2024 Position overview: The Manager, Communications, works with the Vice President, Communications handling internal and external media and communication efforts for Best Buddies International. Candidates must be collaborative in nature and equipped with a strong work ethic. As a member of a small team, this position will provide intense exposure to the field of communications. On-the-job training will be provided and quick learning is required. This position also requires maintaining strong cross-department collaboration with other teams where there is an overlap or synergy in communication touches, working directly with staff who oversee Best Buddies’ website, email, social media, stewardship, and sponsor relations efforts. Job requirements --- Qualified applicants must have:

• 2+ years of professional experience in either Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Journalism or another related field. 

BA/BS degree required.

• Excellent writing and proofreading/editing skills 
• Strong command of AP Style 
• Knowledge of the media, including the ability to differentiate between news and non-news events
• Ability to write and pitch press releases for media outreach.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, WordPress blog, Media monitoring database and Excel.
• Efficient and effective project and time management skills, including detailed follow-up.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, as well as media leads at partner/sponsor organizations. 
• Keep up with current events and scan the media for opportunities to place Best Buddies (staff/key supporters) into stories about philanthropic organizations, key fundraising events, human interest stories, etc.
• Experience writing and submitting award entries.
• Ability to think quickly and work well in high pressure situations such as live events, crisis communications, newsworthy and press opportunities where Best Buddies is involved. 
• Ability to thrive, multi-task and be flexible in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Commitment to the goals, values, and mission of the organization.

 Programs

• Serve as the PR liaison between Best Buddies headquarters and state offices; Provide public relations support to state offices and oversee the production of public relations materials for all offices and departments.
• Grow earned media coverage for Best Buddies national events including the Best Buddies Challenges and Best Buddies Friendship Walks.
• Support the planning of donor stewardship and End-of-Year campaigns by assisting the VP, Communications with messaging and implementing digital tactics (email/social media).

 Development

• Deliver sponsor benefits to assigned media sponsors at major events throughout the year.
• Maintain yearly internal editorial calendar for media sponsors and press opportunities.
• Oversee content creation of donor centric stewardship emails, mailers, templates, and social media posts as needed.

 Communications

• Assist with drafting press releases, media advisories, annual report content, website and social media copy, email campaigns as well as other communication documents.
• Assist with the development, distribution, and execution of BBI's Annual Report.
• Maintain consistent use of facts, figures and language throughout organization through effective internal communications tools
• Monitor news clips in real-time and distribute news clips to keep senior leadership team fully informed and engaged about earned media stories and Best Buddies in the news. 
• Identify sources for compelling content to be used in email campaigns, annual reports and website. 
• Ensure all staffers adhere to organizational style and brand guidelines.

 Human Resources

• Work collaboratively with seasonal interns within the Communications department. 

Operations

• Assist with tactical PR plan for special events and facilitate the needs of attending media.

Finance

• Assist Vice President, Communications, in optimizing donated dollars and in-kind assets to maximize visibility.

Miscellaneous•           This position requires 25% travel for work-related events•           Works extended hours/nights/weekends as needed during Special Events  

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.     #CB