Senior Program Manager

Best Buddies International

. Work with communities to advance Best Buddies’ mission through school and community-based Friendship Programs .

Posted 10/10/2026full-timeDenver • Colorado • United StatesSenior💰 $52,000 - $58,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates strong project management skills, including planning, analysis, and decision-making, while effectively managing volunteers and fostering community engagement. Proficient in developing training resources and implementing strategic initiatives to support programmatic growth and compliance with organizational standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Volunteer ManagementProject ManagementCommunication SkillsProgram DevelopmentData Integrity

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program DevelopmentVolunteer ManagementProject ManagementData TrackingTraining Development

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationInfluencing SkillsProblem SolvingAdaptabilityDependability

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeSalesforceBenevolenceSocial Media

Industry Keywords

Best Buddies ProgramCommunity EngagementFundraisingIntellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesCompliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Work with communities to advance Best Buddies’ mission through school and community-based Friendship Programs
Manage the volunteer base and provide a high-quality volunteer experience
Implement strategic plans for programmatic growth
Create trainings and resources to support programs
Select new programs and train school and corporate chapter leaders
Facilitate and track the certification process for Best Buddies programs
Support staff and volunteers to keep chapters engaged in the mission
Oversee chapter events and programs staff as needed
Develop programmatic trainings and resources, including corporate partner, ambassador, and e-Buddies trainings
Facilitate rollout of new initiatives and changes to existing initiatives
Oversee volunteer committees and chapter operations
Identify schools, colleges, corporations, community groups, and other partners to expand programs
Build a regional growth pipeline through community and organizational outreach
Evaluate chapter engagement data and use it for long-term state goals and strategy
Lead the Citizen’s Adult Friendship Program, including matching events, application review, background-check submission, and optional quarterly events
Serve as liaison for National Ambassadors Initiatives
Set participation expectations for state events and programmatic initiatives
Support recruitment for transition and employment participants in school programs
Strategize social media calendars and create content
Represent Best Buddies through public speaking, presentations, and community involvement
Identify fundraising opportunities and partnerships
Support local and regional fundraising events
Oversee recruitment, screening, hiring, and training of program staff
Approve reports, conduct staff evaluations, and provide guidance and motivation
Monitor staff action due dates and coordinate reviews, time-off requests, candidate screening, and employee recognition with the State Director
Develop and manage programmatic state-plan initiatives with the State Director
Ensure compliance with Best Buddies policies, procedures, and reporting standards
Maintain confidential information and participant PII
Use Benevolence, Microsoft Outlook, social media, and Salesforce for communication and program administration
Maintain data integrity and tracking across systems

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree
3–4 years of relevant experience in volunteer and committee management
Best Buddies program experience is a plus
Experience managing, driving, and motivating volunteers for program development and special event support
Strong project management skills, including planning, analysis, decision making, and problem solving
Willingness and ability to multitask
Highly dependable and willing to lead by example
Ability to adapt communication style to fit the situation
Comfortable engaging with youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
Strong communication, influencing, and negotiation skills
Ability to create new approaches, design processes and procedures, and lead large-scale change
Strong initiative, drive for results, and self-assessment skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database programs
Willingness and ability to travel frequently, use a personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary
Access to an automobile with applicable insurance or other reliable transportation
Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information and participant PII
Ability to use Benevolence, Microsoft Outlook, social media, and Salesforce
Must comply with Best Buddies policies, procedures, and professional standards

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive and generous benefits program
Financial security benefits
Health and wellness benefits
Time off