Manager, Communications

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: Manager, Communications  

Department: Strategic Development and Marketing

Reports to: Vice President, Communications

# of direct reports: 0

Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000

Position overview: The Manager, Communications, works with the Vice President, Communications handling internal and external media and communication efforts for Best Buddies International. Candidates must be collaborative in nature and equipped with a strong work ethic. As a member of a small team, this position will provide intense exposure to the field of communications. On-the-job training will be provided and quick learning is required. 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.

Job Title: Manager, Communications

Department: Strategic Development and Marketing

Location: Miami, FL 

Reports to: Vice President, Communications 

# of direct reports: 0

Salary Range: $50,000 – $55,000

Position overview: The Manager, Communications works closely with the Vice President, Communications to lead national media relations efforts and secure high-impact earned media coverage for Best Buddies International. The primary focus of this role is to proactively pitch and place stories with national, regional, and local media outlets to elevate awareness of the organization’s mission, programs, events, ambassadors, and impact.

Candidates must be collaborative, strategic thinkers with exceptional communication skills and a strong work ethic. As part of a small, fast-paced team, this position offers significant exposure to all areas of communications, public relations, and media strategy.

This role also requires strong cross-department collaboration with teams where communications efforts overlap, including working closely with staff overseeing Best Buddies’ website, email marketing, social media, special events, and sponsor relations initiatives to ensure aligned messaging and maximized media opportunities.

Job requirements --- Qualified applicants must have:

• 3+ years of professional experience in Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Journalism, or a related field 
• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) required 
• Proven track record of successfully pitching media and securing earned media coverage across print, broadcast, and digital outlets 
• Must be able to travel approximately 25% of the time for work-related events
• Must be able to work extended hours, nights, and weekends as needed during special events

Core Skills & Capabilities

• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a strong command of AP Style 
• Ability to develop compelling story angles and pitch press releases that result in media placements 
• Strong relationships with media contacts and the ability to build, grow, and maintain reporter and producer relationships 
• Experience monitoring media and proactively identifying real-time opportunities to insert Best Buddies into relevant news cycles, trends, and cultural moments 

Media & Content Execution

• Ability to craft and execute strategic media outreach plans for national and local coverage 
• Experience writing press materials, including press releases, media advisories, pitches, and talking points 
• Proven ability to secure interviews, feature stories, and on-site media coverage for events and campaigns 
• Experience working with partner and sponsor organizations to align and amplify media opportunities

Programs

• 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 Vice President, Communications with messaging and implementing digital tactics (email/social media)

Development

• Deliver sponsor benefits to assigned media sponsors at major events throughout the year
• Maintain the annual internal editorial calendar for media sponsors and press opportunities
• Oversee the creation of donor-centric stewardship emails, mailers, templates, and social media posts as needed

Communications

• Draft press releases, media advisories, annual report content, website and social media copy, email campaigns, and other communications materials
• Support the development, distribution, and execution of BBI’s Annual Report
• Maintain consistent use of facts, figures, and language throughout the organization through effective internal communications tools
• Monitor news clips in real time and distribute coverage to keep the senior leadership team informed and engaged regarding earned media stories and Best Buddies in the news
• Identify sources for compelling content to be used in email campaigns, annual reports, and the website
• Ensure all staff adhere to organizational style and brand guidelines

Operations

• Assist with tactical PR plans for special events and facilitate the needs of attending media

Finance

• Assist Vice President, Communications in optimizing donated dollars and in-kind assets to maximize visibility

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.