Lead, Program Manager

Best Buddies International; New York (NY); On-site; USD 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Best Buddies International is seeking a Lead, Program Manager to drive volunteer engagement and leadership development across school and community programs. You will work with chapter and community leaders to recruit, train, and support volunteers while expanding inclusive activities in NY.

The role emphasizes building partnerships, coordinating trainings, and managing multiple relationships to advance Best Buddies' mission with dedication and adaptability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 3–4 years of volunteer and committee management experience.
• Best Buddies program experience is a plus.
• Proven ability to recruit, motivate, and manage volunteers.
• Comfortable engaging with people with IDD, including youth and adults.
• Strong oral and written communication; able to influence and improve processes.
• Willingness to travel frequently and work evenings/weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate leadership trainings specific to volunteer roles; focus on engagement and mission advancement.
• Recruit and manage volunteer committees to implement trainings and chapter management.
• Develop and lead community trainings to promote Best Buddies awareness and engagement.
• Coordinate partnerships, ambassadors, and events to support initiatives.

Skills

Volunteer management

Communication skills

Time management

Teamwork

Adaptability

Social media

MS Office Suite

Travel willingness

Project management

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree or 3-4 years relevant experience in volunteer and committee management

Tools

MS Office Suite

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

Lead, Program Manager

Department

State Operations and Programs

Reports to

Deputy Director, Programs or TBD

Salary Range

$44,000-$48,000 (Non-Exempt)

Position Overview

The primary responsibility of the Program Manager is to work with those throughout their communities to drive the mission of Best Buddies forward through their involvement with our school and community-based Friendship Programs. Our Program Managers are fundamental to engaging people in our mission and serving as a support person as our members create more inclusive communities for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). The Program Manager is responsible for working closely with our chapter & community leadership to manage our volunteer base and provide a high-quality experience. This role is fundamental to establishing an environment that is inviting, engaging, inclusive and volunteer driven. The Lead, Program Manager's primary role is to recruit, engage, train, and support volunteer committees and build a strategic community base to move Best Buddies' mission forward. This included building relationships and identifying potential partnerships and funding sources; identifying Ambassadors for events; working with committees to plan and implement state events, in addition to chapter onboarding and chapter management.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or 3-4 years relevant experience in volunteer and committee management
• Best Buddies program experience a plus
• Have experience managing and motivating volunteers
• Must be comfortable engaging with people with IDD, including youth and adults
• Must be adaptable and able to quickly and effectively develop and balance multiple relationships and get results from a variety of people
• Basic project and time management skills
• Exhibit strong oral and written communication skills; Ability to adapt & convey; Influence Ability to enhance, improve, and change processes and procedures; resolve tactical & operational issues
• Exhibit strong initiative, drive for results, and self-assessment skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A clear understanding of multiple communication platforms and proficient use of social media
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be willing and able to travel frequently, use personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary to accomplish job responsibilities
• Access to an automobile with applicable insurance or other reliable transportation

Job Duties (include but not limited to)

• Programs Develop and facilitate leadership trainings specific to the volunteer roles; focus on volunteer engagement; ensure mission advancement and participation in all Best Buddies initiatives
• Recruit and manage volunteer committees to implement trainings, manage chapters and advance mission Evaluate and track chapter engagement in Best Buddies trainings, including providing certification for advisors and ongoing training opportunities for members and communities
• Develop and lead community trainings to promote awareness of and engagement in Best Buddies mission, including but not limited to corporate partner trainings, ambassadors, and e-Buddies trainings
• Message expe tations for