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, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
 
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy, and communication skills, and feel valued by society.

Job Title: Deputy Director, Programs & Operations

Department: State Operations and Programs

Reports to: Director, Mission Advancement

# of direct reports: 1-2

Revised date: 10/27/16

Position Overview:  The deputy director, programs & operations is responsible for supporting the field staff in their state in implementing programs and programmatic initiatives in alignment with organizational best practices as well as providing operational support and ensuring that all staff are properly trained, office infrastructure is in place and working properly, expenses are accurately tracked, and deadlines for reports to funders and headquarters are understood and met. This is accomplished by training and coaching field staff and volunteers, developing benchmarks for success, establishing and utilizing tracking methods, and working with the Director, Mission Advancement to hold field staff accountable for meeting their programmatic goals. This position will be accountable for the state’s overall programmatic goals. 

Job Qualifications – Qualified applicants must have:

• Concrete experience coaching staff and volunteers on programmatic implementation and developing and implementing tracking methods
• Superior project management skills - including planning, analysis, decision making, and problem solving - and willingness to multitask
• Superior initiative, drive for results, and self-assessment skills, and ability to lead individuals and teams in setting and achieving challenging goals
• Must be highly dependable, lead by example and be willing/able to adapt management style to fit the situation and hold staff accountable for meeting set expectations
• Ability to effectively gain information and insight through questioning/probing and observation of staff in the field, analyze information, and provide meaningful feedback
• Superior presentation skills with the ability to exert influence, inspire others, and articulate the mission, goals, and activities of Best Buddies with passion and enthusiasm
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database programs
• Must travel throughout their region, use personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary in order to accomplish job responsibilities
• Bachelor’s degree or at least 4 years’ relevant experience in addition to above experience

Job Duties include, but are not limited to:

Programs

• Inspires and motivates field staff by demonstrating personal commitment and integrity and providing proactive training, support, and recognition
• Works to ensure appropriate implementation of programs in all states in their region, including coaching field staff and volunteers, tracking progress toward benchmarks for success, and establishing and utilizing tracking methods 
• Works to hold field staff accountable for meeting their programmatic goals, hitting benchmarks, and following best practices and guidelines
• Executes the rollout of new programmatic initiatives and changes to current initiatives 
• Directly manages programs during field staff vacancies as needed
• Works directly with Director, Mission Advancement and other field staff on strategies for appropriately incorporating programmatic staff and volunteers into marketing/branding efforts, and leveraging programmatic successes to increase visibility
• Works with Director, Mission Advancement, area directors, and other development staff to ensure that programs and program participants are properly integrated into community fundraising events
• Works with state leadership to ensure that field staff are trained in all areas of programmatic implementation 
• Maintains an accurate and updated programmatic calendar for each area in their state

Marketing and Fund Development

• Works with Director, Mission Advancement to track prospective individual, corporate, and foundation donors 
• Works with Director, Mission Advancement to ensure that program participants and staff are appropriately integrated into fundraising efforts, and that grant proposals reflect realistic programmatic goals
• As appropriate, researches grant opportunities, maintains accurate records and submits reports as required by funders with support from BBI Grants Department
• As appropriate, works with Director, Mission Advancement to create a strong presence for Best Buddies programs in the state through public speaking, community involvement, public service announcements, and other media initiatives
• Oversees organization of local content and images for updates to state website and ensures that all local staff use AdCeio database appropriately to communicate with participants and the community

Human Resources

• Oversees recruitment, screening, hiring, and training of programs staff as necessary and in accordance with Best Buddies guidelines.
• Approves reports, conducts staff evaluations and provides appropriate guidance and motivation for programs staff
• Monitors due dates for actions using the online staff portal, and works with Director, Mission Advancement to ensure that reviews, time off requests, candidate screening, and employee recognition are completed accurately and on time

Operations and Finance

• Manages reporting for government contracts and foundation grants and ensures that Best Buddies is meeting all guidelines and contractual agreements effectively and on a timely basis
• Reviews and approves all contracts, check requests, and orders for office infrastructure, including copiers, telecommunications, computers, and postage machines
• Oversees office logistics such as supply orders, phone systems, computer back-up/networking, etc. 
• Maintains communication with Director, Mission Advancement with timely reports, quarterly goals, and other information as directed
• Works with Director, Mission Advancement on developing and managing the operational state plan initiatives and statewide budget

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.

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