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, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Best Buddies is the world's largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy, and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
Job Title: Area Director
Department: State Operations and Programs
Reports to: State Director
# of direct reports: varies
Salary: $65,000-$70,000
Revised date:05/03/2023
Position Overview: The Area Director is responsible for developing an annual area plan and implementing the plan through overseeing day-to-day operations in local office(s), securing funding for programs and special projects, overseeing programs to ensure program consistency and success, managing local Advisory Board(s) and associated committees, and supervising local office staff. This person also assists and directs Program staff to ensure program consistency and success.
Job Qualifications - Qualified applicants must have:
Concrete experience in fundraising including a record of success in expanding a donor base through cultivation and stewardship, grant writing, event planning/implementation, and/or board management
Strong persuasive writing and presentation skills with the ability to exert influence, inspire others, and articulate the mission, goals, and activities of Best Buddies with passion and enthusiasm
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, and familiarity/comfort with database management systems (i.e. SalesforceRaisers Edge)
At least three years of management/supervisory experience, and strong talent-building and team-building skills
Strong project management skills - including planning, analysis, decision making, and problem solving skills - and willingness to multitask
Strong initiative, drive for results, and self-assessment skills, and ability to lead individuals and teams in setting and achieving challenging goals
Must be highly dependable, lead by example and be willing/able to adapt management style to fit the situation and hold staff accountable for meeting set expectations
Must be comfortable engaging with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
Must travel, use personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary in order to accomplish job responsibilities
Bachelor's degree or at least 4 years' relevant experience in addition to above experience
Access to an automobile with applicable insurance
Job Duties include, but are not limited to:
Programs
Oversees and assumes ultimate responsibility for the success of all programmatic operations in designated region by working with local programs staff and HQ Programs Team
Oversees the planning and implementation of program events and volunteer training initiatives area-wide, including Best Buddies Day/Monthand Local Leadership Training Days
Ensures that program participants and staff are appropriately integrated into regional fundraising/awareness efforts and collaborates with Program staff to ensure that grant goals are realistic and in the best interest of local programmatic efforts
Ensures recruitment strategies and volunteer appreciation initiatives for Best Buddies program participants are effectively and appropriately implemented
Attends local chapter events and activities
Directly manages Program staff and assumes additional programmatic responsibilities as required per state office staffing structure
Development
Collaborates with State Director to develop and implement comprehensive local strategy for securing sustainable funding and works with local staff, Advisory Boards, and volunteers on its implementation
Assumes overall operational management responsibility for all regional fundraising activities, including, but not limited to, foundation and corporate giving, individual giving, major gifts, special events, annual giving, and alumni/parent relations
Develops and implements major fundraising events to meet revenue goals-must utilize local event committees and follow BBI event committee benchmarks/structure
Researches grant opportunities, develops proposals to foundations, maintains accurate records and submits reports as required by funders with support from BBI Grants Department
Manages government grants/contracts as directed, including reporting, maintaining relationships with key agency officials and testifying if necessary
Manages local Advisory Board(s), including recruitment, training, and retention of committee and board members in keeping with BBI Advisory Board guidelines
Identifies, cultivates, and develops volunteers capable of making personal commitments and becoming directly involved in the solicitation process on behalf of Best Buddies - develops and manages stewardship process of all local donors, including processing gifts and thank you letters
Marketing
Develops a comprehensive regional public awareness strategy, and works with local staff on its implementation
Creates a strong presence for Best Buddies in the local area through public speaking, community involvement, public service announcements, social media, special events, news releases, and other media initiatives
Develops relationships with local graphic artists, public relations professionals, and advertising agencies to support local needs
Oversees organization of local content and images for updates to state website and ensures that all local staff use Kintera database appropriately to communicate with participants and the community
Oversees creation and distribution of local newsletters/annual reports and Kintera e-newsletters
Operations
Oversees (and delegates when possible) management of all day-to-day infrastructure needs such as supplies, postage, IT, telecom, equipment/ utility contracts, and office lease as needed to maintain an efficient and professional work environment - assumes ultimate responsibility for all logistics of moving an office if necessary
Maintains communication with State Director with timely reports and other information as directed
Uses the online reimbursement system to effectively track and manage reimbursement requests from local staff
Collaborates with State Director to develop, monitor and balance the regional budget, including reviewing monthly financial statements, tracking all expenses and revenue, and adjusting spending/fundraising plans as needed
Oversees timely and accurate processing of all revenue and invoices, and maintains accurate records of all donations and donor information
Human Resources
May oversee recruitment, screening, hiring, and training of all local staff in accordance with Best Buddies guidelines and approves all reports, conducts staff evaluations as directed and provides appropriate guidance and motivation
Works with local staff to set realistic and strategic goals, including professional development goals, and holds them accountable for meeting these goals
Develops performance/behavior improvement plans as needed and researches and provides professional development opportunities and tracks and records progress
Works to inspire and motivate local staff by demonstrating personal commitment and integrity and providing proactive training, support, and recognition
Oversees state staff's involvement in HQ initiatives, including merchandise sales, national conferences, special events, and awareness campaigns
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.