Manager, Communications

Job Description

Job Description

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 Marketing

Reports to : Vice President, Communications

# of direct reports : 0

Salary Range : $50,000 – $55,000

Revised date : 5 / 1 / 2025

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

Job requirements :

• 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, 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

Development

Communications

Operations

Finance

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