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 : Community Engagement Associate, Best Buddies Challenge : New York Department : Strategic Development and Marketing Reports to : Director, Best Buddies Challenge : New York Location : New York, NY of direct reports : N / A Salary Range : NYC Exempt Minimum (~$63k) Position Overview : The Community Engagement Associate is a key member of the Best Buddies Challenge Development Team, responsible for leading all in-market rider engagement, grassroots participant recruitment, and community activation initiatives in New York City. This role hosts weekly training rides, conducts team and corporate trainings, supports participant fundraising, and ensures excellent customer service throughout the registration and event process. The Associate works closely with the NY Ride Director to execute the local strategy and support the growth and success of the Best Buddies Challenge : New York. Job Requirements Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in marketing, communications, or a related field. 2–4 years of experience in peer-to-peer fundraising, event management, or community engagement. Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and customer-service skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with CRM systems preferred. Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Demonstrated knowledge of, and connections within, the NYC cycling community. Cycling and / or running experience preferred. Ability to lead local group rides or runs in support of participant engagement and training initiatives a plus. Proven ability to plan, promote, and execute community marketing activations and events. Flexible schedule — available for evenings, weekends, and event days as required. Motivated, collaborative, and mission-driven self-starter. Job Duties include, but are not limited to : Development Serve as the primary in-market contact for riders, supporting registration, training, and fundraising efforts for corporate and sponsor teams locally Lead weekly training rides and in-person training sessions for participants and corporate teams Execute grassroots marketing and recruitment initiatives to grow participation and fundraising Assist participants with team development, fundraising support, and customer service inquiries Assist with sponsor activation events and community engagement opportunities as necessary Collaborate with the NY Ride Director to ensure local efforts align with strategic participant and revenue goals Track and report on participant leads, registrations, and fundraising performance metrics Operations Maintain and update CRM databases, ensuring accurate participant and sponsor records Create and manage a regional calendar for training rides, events, and community activations Assist in planning and executing local events and initiatives based on participant trends and feedback Work closely with logistics, communications, marketing, and special events teams to ensure consistency, alignment, and high-quality execution Respond promptly and professionally to participant and sponsor inquiries, resolving issues with care and efficiency. 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.
Community Engagement Associate • New York City, NY, US