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 (Development & Programs)
Department: State Operations & Programs
Reports to: Area Director
# of direct reports: 0
Salary Range: Unpaid, 10-15 hrs/wk as schedule allows (10 weeks total)
Position Overview: The Intern, Development and Programs will assist with the planning stages of our annual 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 Fall Gala with reaching out to local businesses for auction items, create posts and calendar for social media, event collateral updates, research and assist with booking various vendors, assist with Gala and supporting events 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 auction items, in-kind donations such as decor etc.
- Support all development-related e-communications
- Research new potential sponsors who align with the Best Buddies mission and DEI initiatives.
- Assist in planning event details and logistics for supporting events
- Assist with planning of local fundraisers and third-party events contributing to larger events
- Send out thank-you cards.
- Intern will be required to attend supporting events during internship.
Marketing
- Assist with website and social medial content
- Support staff with taking photos at supporting events, creating Instagram Posts, Stories, Reels, TikToks, etc., from content leading up to and at all events during the internship.
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
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office
- Comfort engaging with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
- Comfort 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.
