Manager, Communications

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.

Manager, Communications

Strategic Development and Marketing

Vice President, Communications

0

$50,000 – $55,000

5 / 1 / 2025

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. This position requires 25% travel for work‑related events and will include extended hours / nights / weekends as needed during special events.

• 3+ 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, Word Press 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

• 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)

• 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

• 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…