Deputy Director, Family Support

Best Buddies International

Deputy Director managing family support programs for individuals with IDD at Best Buddies. Responsible for program recruitment, training, community engagement, and mentorship initiatives.

Posted 8/1/2026full-timeChicago, Miramar, Portland • Florida, Illinois, Maine, Ohio • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $50,000 - $52,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in program development and volunteer management, with a strong focus on community engagement and partnership building. Proficient in project management, persuasive communication, and the ability to lead initiatives that support families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program DevelopmentVolunteer ManagementPersuasive WritingProject ManagementCommunity Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program DevelopmentVolunteer ManagementProject ManagementData TrackingGrant Writing

Soft Skills

Persuasive CommunicationLeadershipProblem SolvingInitiativeAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeDigital Meeting SoftwareLearning & Development Facilitation Software

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit ExperienceIntellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesCommunity PartnershipsFamily Support ProgramsPublic Relations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Deputy Director, Family Support, manages all elements of the family support program in a specific state/area for Best Buddies.
This position is responsible for recruitment, training, and meeting specific programmatic benchmarks for successful execution of this initiative.
Additional responsibilities include the launch of the siblings program, managing the parent mentor/mentee program, collaborating with local community partners, completing report metrics and coordinating community socials.
Oversees all day-to-day operations of Family Support program in area
Travels throughout assigned area to recruit mentors/mentees and promote the program in the community
Implements the Eunie’s Buddies and Siblings programs, including, but not limited to, volunteer training/management, recruitment, program planning and outcomes assessment
Collaborates with colleagues and supervisor to meet established Family Support program goals.
Develops strategies/avenues to identify and engage potential mentors, mentees, and other program participants.
Oversees the mentor/mentee matching process.
Provides and leads all necessary local training and monitors match effectiveness to ensure successful program outcomes.
Responsible for the identification of potential program participants, and manages database inquiries.
Train volunteers in all relevant aspects of Best Buddies and their volunteer role to ensure success and alignment with Mission goals.
Identifies local resources and partnerships with existing organizations, hospitals, and medical practices.
Coordinates local community socials at least 3-4 times per year, including parent and sibling events.
Recruits, manages, and provides support to community volunteers to help spread awareness in the healthcare community and general population.
Works with supervisor on public relations, program goals and objectives, and coordinating relations between Family Support and the community.
Increases awareness of Family Support programs through public speaking, marketing, and media initiatives.
Assists in securing mission advancement opportunities for program funding.
Writes grants and works to secure additional resources as assigned for Best Buddies International.
Collaborates with the State Director on fundraising efforts, and creates a Family Support team for local Friendship Walks.
Partners with community leaders to implement strategies for broad engagement of families in assigned market.
Implements program marketing campaign geared at recruitment of mentees through targeted outreach to various avenues.
Responsible for tracking and evaluating program outcomes through regular assessments.
Completes necessary paperwork in a timely and organized manner, including but not limited to weekly reports, monthly reports, and quarterly goals.
Handles special projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or at least four years relevant experience
Experience in program development, and leading/developing volunteers
Nonprofit experience preferred and must believe deeply in our organization's mission
Superior persuasive writing and 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 and comfort with Microsoft Office, digital meeting software, and learning & development facilitation software
Understanding of best practices in parental issues and the challenges faced by families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities
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 program to achieving goals
Must be highly dependable, lead by example, and be willing/able to adapt leadership style to fit the situation and lead volunteers for set expectations.
Must be comfortable engaging with corporate/community leaders, parents, medical professionals, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
Access to an automobile/transportation with applicable insurance
Must travel, use personal cell phone, and work evenings and weekends as necessary in order to accomplish job responsibilities.
Must be willing to travel across the region on a regular basis.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Best Buddies offers a comprehensive and generous benefits program that include financial security, health and wellness and time off.