Responsibilities

• The Manager, Communications, works with the Vice President, Communications handling internal and external media and communication efforts for Best Buddies International.
• As a member of a small team, this position will provide intense exposure to the field of communications.
• This position also requires maintaining strong cross-department collaboration with other teams where there is an overlap or synergy in communication touches, working directly with staff who oversee Best Buddies’ website, email, social media, stewardship, and sponsor relations efforts.
• Serve as the PR liaison between Best Buddies headquarters and state offices; Provide public relations support to state offices and oversee the production of public relations materials for all offices and departments.
• Grow earned media coverage for Best Buddies national events including the Best Buddies Challenges and Best Buddies Friendship Walks.
• Support the planning of donor stewardship and End-of-Year campaigns by assisting the VP, Communications with messaging and implementing digital tactics (email/social media).
• Deliver sponsor benefits to assigned media sponsors at major events throughout the year.
• Maintain yearly internal editorial calendar for media sponsors and press opportunities.
• Oversee content creation of donor centric stewardship emails, mailers, templates, and social media posts as needed.
• Assist with drafting press releases, media advisories, annual report content, website and social media copy, email campaigns as well as other communication documents.

Requirements

• 2+ years of professional experience in either Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Journalism or another related field.
• BA/BS degree required.
• Excellent writing and proofreading/editing skills
• Strong command of AP Style
• Knowledge of the media, including the ability to differentiate between news and non-news events
• Ability to write and pitch press releases for media outreach.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, WordPress blog, Media monitoring database and Excel.
• Efficient and effective project and time management skills, including detailed follow-up.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, as well as media leads at partner/sponsor organizations.
• Keep up with current events and scan the media for opportunities to place Best Buddies (staff/key supporters) into stories about philanthropic organizations, key fundraising events, human interest stories, etc.

Benefits

• Best Buddies offers a comprehensive and generous benefits program that include financial security, health and wellness and time off.