State Director

State Director

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.

Position Overview : The State Director is responsible for developing an annual state plan and implementing the plan through overseeing day-to-day operations in all offices statewide, securing funding for programs and special projects, overseeing programs to ensure program consistency and success, managing local Advisory Boards and associated committees, and supervising state staff. S / he also assists and directs Program staff to ensure program consistency and success.

Job Requirements : Qualified applicants must have : At least four to seven years progressive 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. Superior 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. Blackbaud Sphere, Auction Pay, Raisers Edge). At least three to five years of management / supervisory experience, and superior talent-building and team-building skills. Superior project management skills - including planning, analysis, decision making, and problem solving - and willingness to multitask. Superior 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 : Oversees and assumes ultimate responsibility for the success of all programmatic operations statewide by working with local programs staff and HQ Programs Team. Oversees the planning and implementation of program events and volunteer training initiatives state-wide, including Best Buddies Day / Month, BUILD, and Local Leadership Training Days. Ensures that program participants and staff are appropriately integrated into statewide fundraising / awareness efforts and collaborates with Program staff to ensure that all 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. Develops and implements.