Manager, Mission Advancement

Best Buddies International

. Engage, train, and support volunteers in Best Buddies school and community programs .

Posted 10/14/2026full-timeRichmond • Virginia • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $48,000 - $52,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in fundraising, volunteer management, and community engagement, with a strong ability to develop relationships and implement effective strategies for program expansion and donor cultivation. Proficient in project management and communication, ensuring successful execution of events and initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fundraising ExperienceVolunteer ManagementProject ManagementPersuasive Writing SkillsDatabase Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

FundraisingEvent PlanningDonor CultivationProject ManagementData Analysis

Soft Skills

AdaptabilityInfluenceMotivationCommunicationInitiative

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeSummaSalesforceRaisers Edge

Industry Keywords

Community EngagementVolunteer SupportLocal FundingPublic SpeakingGrant Writing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Engage, train, and support volunteers in Best Buddies school and community programs
Implement a comprehensive strategy for securing sustainable local funding
Determine state/region needs to expand programs in elementary, middle, and high schools, colleges, corporate settings, and community buddy pairs
Support volunteers and participants through virtual networks, online platforms, and in-person meetings
Provide mission-focused guidance and support to participants and volunteers
Select and train chapter leaders, including school/corporate faculty serving as chapter advisors
Host quarterly in-person trainings, Leadership Training Days, and Ambassador Trainings
Ensure participation from chapter advisors and student leaders in the Annual Leadership Conference
Track onboarding benchmarks, reporting, and chapter updates using online platforms
Manage Citizens Corporate and Community chapters and onboard chapter leads
Develop a state growth pipeline through contacts with schools, community groups, and corporations
Manage local fundraising activities, including foundation and corporate giving, individual giving, major gifts, special events, annual giving, and alumni/parent relations
Identify, cultivate, and steward donors and volunteers involved in solicitation
Process gifts and thank-you letters
Develop and implement major fundraising events with the State/Area Director
Research grant opportunities, cultivate local funder relationships, and assist with grant applications and reports
Create a strong local presence through public speaking, community involvement, public service announcements, social media, special events, news releases, and other media initiatives
Develop relationships with local graphic artists, public relations professionals, and advertising agencies
Organize content and images for the state website and use the Summa database to communicate with participants and the community
Contribute to local newsletters, annual reports, and Summa e-newsletters
Maintain communication with the State/Area Director through timely reports and other information
Oversee timely and accurate processing of revenue and invoices
Maintain accurate donation and donor records through Raisers Edge

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or at least four years relevant experience
2–4 years of fundraising experience, including special events planning and donor cultivation
Experience managing and motivating volunteers
Adaptability and ability to develop and balance multiple relationships and get results from a variety of people
Superior persuasive writing and presentation skills
Ability to exert influence, inspire others, and articulate the organization’s mission, goals, and activities
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Familiarity/comfort with database management systems such as Summa, Salesforce, and Raisers Edge
Superior project management skills, including planning, analysis, decision-making, and problem-solving
Willingness to multitask
Initiative, drive for results, self-assessment skills, and ability to lead individuals and teams in setting and achieving challenging goals
Comfortable engaging with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
Must travel, use a personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary
Access to an automobile with applicable insurance, or other reliable transportation

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive and generous benefits program
Financial security benefits
Health and wellness benefits
Paid time off