Transitions Programs Lead - Community & Growth

Best Buddies International; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 49,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Best Buddies International is seeking a Senior Manager, Transitions Program to lead Pre-ETS expansion, engage community and corporate partners, and guide staffing growth. The role requires coordinating with state leadership, managing referrals, and overseeing data and volunteer processes.

You will also support adolescents and young adults with IDD through skill development and pre-vocational training. The position involves collaboration with national staff, travel as needed, and ensuring

Qualifications

• 5 years' experience in job coaching, counseling, or special education with a disability focus OR
• Bachelor’s Degree in rehabilitation, counseling, social work, psychology, or education plus 2 years professional experience.
• Best Buddies experience is a plus.
• Must be adaptable and capable of balancing multiple relationships and achieving results.
• Strong presentation, facilitation, project and time management skills.
• Strong written communication and attention to detail; self-driven and able to work independently or in a team.
• Access to an automobile with applicable insurance.
• Employment contingent upon accreditation by governing state agency.
• willingness to travel locally/regionally/nationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop positive relationships with families, support coordinators, referral sources, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with students’ support teams to provide services aligned with IEPs.
• Deliver Best Buddies Transitions Program curriculum through classroom, small group, and 1:1 support.
• Develop work-based learning experiences and permanent job placements post-program.
• Assess employer needs and create/ finalize internship positions.
• Maintain regular communication with employers to sustain relationships and advocate for participants.
• Oversee volunteer engagement and training for Pre-ETS programs.
• Maintain required paperwork and ensure timely data entry in Salesforce and related systems.
• Support fundraising events and provide donor information to supervisors.

Skills

Adaptability

Relationship building

Presentation skills

Facilitation

Project management

Time management

Written communication

Self-motivation

Independent work

Team collaboration

Driving / automobile access

Local travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Best Buddies International is seeking a Senior Manager, Transitions Program to lead Pre-ETS expansion, engage community and corporate partners, and guide staffing growth. The role requires coordinating with state leadership, managing referrals, and overseeing data and volunteer processes.

You will also support adolescents and young adults with IDD through skill development and pre-vocational training. The position involves collaboration with national staff, travel as needed, and ensuring