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: Intern, Special Events and Development
Department: State Operations and Programs
Reports to: Director, Mission Advancement
# of direct reports: 0
Salary Range: Unpaid, 10-15 hrs/wk as schedule allows (10-12 weeks total)
Position Overview: The Intern, Special Events and Development will assist with our annual spring fundraising events. This position would be great for someone interested in business development, non-profit management, or event planning (or similar fields). This role will support our spring Friendship Walk(s) with the following but not limited to: reach out to local businesses for sponsorship, create posts and calendar for social media, event collateral creations, research and assist with booking various vendors, assist with all day of Friendship Walk logistics, and various administrative tasks.
Job Qualifications – Qualified applicants must have:
- Strong written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Basic understanding of social media and familiarity with Microsoft Office
- Must be comfortable engaging with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
- Must be comfortable making asks to potential sponsors and businesses you may not know to support Best Buddies
Job Duties may include, but are not limited to:
Development
- Support for special event logistics including, but not limited to, publicity,
communication, show flow, day before/day of preparation, etc.
- Assist in securing, where applicable, in-kind donations such as food, beverage, prizes, etc.
- Support all development-related e-communications
- Research new potential sponsors who align with the Best Buddies mission and DEI initiatives.
- Help find sponsorships for fundraising events by contacting local businesses
- Assist in planning event details and logistics
- Assist with planning of local fundraisers and third-party events contributing to larger events
- Send out thank you letters
- Intern will be required to attend their local Friendship Walk
Marketing
- Assist with website and social medial content
- Support staff and event photographer with taking photos, creating Instagram Reels, TikToks, etc., from content leading up to and at the Friendship Walk as assigned
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.
Skills Required
- Strong written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Basic understanding of social media and familiarity with Microsoft Office
- Comfortable engaging with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
- Comfortable making asks to potential sponsors and businesses
What We Do
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). The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X syndrome, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Best Buddies is the world's largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the more than 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) worldwide. Through our five mission pillars, we empower people with IDD to build meaningful friendships, secure successful jobs, develop leadership and self-advocacy skills, live more independently, and provide families with the support and resources they need to thrive. Together, we're creating a more inclusive world where people with IDD, their families, and their communities are empowered to reach their full potential.
