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

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Demonstrates expertise in fundraising strategies, volunteer management, and community engagement, with a strong focus on relationship building and project management. Proficient in utilizing database management systems and Microsoft Office to support program growth and donor stewardship.

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 ManagementDatabase ManagementMicrosoft OfficeGrant WritingPublic SpeakingSocial Media EngagementReporting

Soft Skills

AdaptabilityRelationship BuildingLeadershipCommunicationProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

SummaSalesforceRaisers Edge

Industry Keywords

Volunteer SupportCommunity ProgramsMajor GiftsCorporate GivingAnnual GivingAlumni RelationsPublic RelationsCommunity InvolvementIntellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)Donor Stewardship

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Engage, train, and support volunteers in Best Buddies school and community programs
Implement strategies for sustainable local funding through state events, foundation giving, corporate giving, individual giving, major gifts, special events, annual giving, and alumni/parent relations
Determine state and regional needs to expand programs in schools, colleges, corporations, and community settings
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 and school/corporate faculty serving as chapter advisors
Host quarterly in-person trainings, Leadership Training Days, and Ambassador Trainings
Ensure participation 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 pipeline for state growth through contacts with schools, community groups, and corporations
Manage local fundraising operations and donor stewardship, including gifts and thank-you letters
Develop and implement major fundraising events with State or Area Directors
Research grant opportunities and assist with grant applications and reports
Build Best Buddies’ local presence through public speaking, community involvement, social media, events, news releases, and media initiatives
Develop relationships with local graphic artists, public relations professionals, and advertising agencies
Organize website content and images and use the Summa database to communicate with participants and the community
Contribute to newsletters, annual reports, and Summa e-newsletters
Maintain communication with the State or Area Director through timely reports
Oversee processing of revenue and invoices and maintain accurate donation and donor records in 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
Superior persuasive writing and presentation skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Familiarity with database management systems such as Summa, Salesforce, and Raisers Edge
Superior project management skills, including planning, analysis, decision-making, and problem-solving
Initiative, drive for results, self-assessment skills, and ability to lead individuals and teams
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
Time off
Affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employer