Program Manager, Middle Schools and High Schools - Chicago, IL

Best Buddies International, an equal opportunity employer, is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.  At Best Buddies, we believe that to achieve our goals, the most important element of our strategy is to attract, retain and develop the best and brightest talents.  Our work environment is characterized by dedication and optimism. We invite all persons wanting to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities to explore our current job opportunities.

Founded by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is headquartered in Miami, Florida.  The organization is active in each of the 50 United States, and operates accredited international programs in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, England, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Kenya, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates with additional country programs in advanced phases of development.  For information regarding job openings outside the United States, please contact the country office directly.




Program Manager, Middle Schools and High Schools - Chicago, IL 

Position Overview: The Program Manager, Middle Schools and High Schools works with area middle schools and high schools to maintain quality chapters of Best Buddies. This is accomplished through working with student leaders and faculty advisors and administrators on selected middle school and high school campuses, as well as local agencies providing services to people with intellectual disabilities.

Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Ability to work with people
• Automobile with applicable insurance (specific coverage limits required)
• Experience managing volunteers

Job Duties include, but are not limited to:
Chapter Operations
• Travels throughout the assigned region to recruit new middle school and high school chapters and manage existing chapters by meeting with leadership and attending chapter activities.
• Selects dedicated professionals to serve as faculty advisors, host site coordinators, and special education advisors.
• Recruits, interviews, and selects committed students and professionals to volunteer to manage area chapters.
• Selects students for the Chapter President positions for each chapter and attend the BBI Leadership Conference.
• Provides training, feedback, support and motivation to student volunteers on an ongoing basis.
• Oversees all day-to-day operations of chapters/matches in state/region.
• Oversees student leaders (Chapter Presidents to ensure quality chapters as they manage recruitment, chapter meetings, group outings, chapter development and matching and evaluation process.
• Compiles information from chapters to write mid and end year reports to be filed with Best Buddies International.
• Maintain organized chapter paperwork files and submit all required paperwork to BBI
• When needed, evaluates and selects appropriate public/private schools pairings.

Chapter Communications:
• Acts as liaison between chapters, field/state office, and headquarters.
• Arranges and attends meetings monthly with faculty advisors, chapter presidents, and special education advisors.
• Maintain chapter communication log.
• Provides on-going support for all volunteers.

Program Events:
• Plans and implements awareness campaign for Best Buddies Day and Month.
• Raises funds and solicits donations as needed for Best Buddies Month and other regional events.
• Develops and implements annual High School Training Day.
• Assists in the development and implementation of annual International Leadership Conference, local volunteer training, and other program related events as assigned.

Miscellaneous:
• Work with supervisor to develop and review quarterly goals.
• When appropriate, works with State Director, Program Supervisor, or Director of Special Events on fundraising events as directed.
• Works with State Director or Program Supervisor to secure funds and donations through grants and sponsors for local/state events and campaigns as assigned.
• Works with State Director on public relations, program development, and coordinating awareness and relationships between Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, and the community.
• Seeks support from local chapters as needed for local/state events.
• Increases awareness of Best Buddies through public speaking, marketing, and media initiatives.
• Completes necessary paperwork in a timely and organized manner, including but not limited to mid year reports, end year reports, weekly reports, and quarterly goals.
• Submits monthly report on each college chapter to Best Buddies International.
• Participates in monthly programmatic calls with Program Leader and staff cohorts.
• Travels as necessary to accomplish the above responsibilities.
• Attends national annual program staff conference and annual Leadership Conference.
• Handles special projects relating to the above responsibilities as assigned.
• Works evenings and weekends as necessary to complete assignments.

Reports to: State Director and/or Program Supervisor

Benefits include: group medical/dental insurance, paid vacation, holidays, personal & sick time, 401(k) retirement plan, short term disability, critical illness and life insurance. Commuter benefits available. Business casual environment.