Director, Champion of the Year (State Office)

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 : Director, Champion of the Year (State Office) Department : State Operations and Programs Reports to : State Director # of direct reports : varies Salary range : $68,000 - $85,000 Position Overview : The Director, Champion of the Year, is responsible for leading the growth and execution of the Champion of the Year campaign and Gala in the designated market. This role oversees all aspects of the campaign, including fundraising strategy, event production, committee and volunteer development, and donor and sponsor cultivation. Success in this position requires strong relationship-building skills, the ability to coach and motivate volunteers, and a deep commitment to creating inclusive communities through the mission of Best Buddies. Champion of the Year is a dynamic and mission-driven fundraising competition that engages leaders of inclusion. Nominated by their peers and working closely with Best Buddies staff, Champion candidates are paired with a Mission Partner and set out to achieve ambitious, life-changing fundraising goals over the course of an 8-12-week campaign. The experience is both inspiring and impactful—for participants, their communities, and the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that Best Buddies serves. Job Requirements – Qualified applicants must have : Demonstrated success coaching or managing others to achieve goals Demonstrated success in managing high-profile fundraising events Excellent communication and persuasive writing skills, with the ability to inspire and articulate the Best Buddies mission Demonstrated success building and maintaining strong relationships with key constituents Experience with volunteer leadership development and committee management Strong project management skills including planning, prioritizing and multitasking effectively Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years relevant experience in peer-to-peer fundraising, board or committee management, high-level fundraising event management, development strategy, nonprofit leadership, sales, or a similar field. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, and familiarity / comfort with database management systems (i.e. Peer to Peer Platforms, GiveSmart, Raisers Edge) Superior initiative, drive for results, and self-assessment skills Must be comfortable engaging with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) Flexible work schedule that can include work evenings and weekends as necessary to accomplish job responsibilities Access to an automobile and personal cell phone Must be able to travel to annual Best Buddies conferences twice a year Job Duties include, but are not limited to : Fund Development Lead all planning, logistics and execution for the annual Champion of the Year Gala Identify, cultivate and solicit individual donors, corporate sponsors and in-kind supporters of Champion of the Year Serve as the primary coach and support system for Champion Candidates, helping them reach fundraising goals and stay engaged throughout the campaign Partner with the State Director and National Champion of the Year Team to ensure the campaign meets or exceeds revenue, participation and stewardship benchmarks. Drive sponsor acquisition and retention through strategic engagement and sponsor benefits Develop and implement strategic stewardship plans for event donors and committee members to build long-term relationships Recruit, train and support a committee of volunteers to assist with auction, sponsorships, marketing, PR and event logistics Organize and host Champion of the Year supporting events for Champion Candidates (ex. Training and Kickoff events) Build, train and retain a dynamic and diverse Champion of the Year committee Facilitate monthly committee meetings and create infrastructure for sub-committees Support committee and candidate involvement in Champion-related events and campaign milestones Recognize and celebrate volunteer and donor achievements through personalized stewardship and public recognition Operations Maintain communication with HQ and State Director with timely reports and other information as directed Maintain accurate tracking of donor outreach, gifts and acknowledgements Finance Oversee the development and management of the local Champion of the Year budget Manage timely and accurate processing of all revenue and invoices, and maintain accurate records of all donations and donor information through Raiser’s Edge 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. #CB