Intern

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: MSW Intern

Department: State Operations

Reports to: Director of Mission Advancement 

# of direct reports: 0

Salary Range: Unpaid, 10 hours per week

Position Overview: This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to engage with Best Buddies’ mission through four key program areas: the Citizens Program, Jobs Program, School Friendship Program, and Nonprofit Leadership. Interns will gain practical experience in program coordination, community engagement, employment support, nonprofit operations, and fundraising, while supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) throughout New Jersey.

This position is ideal for someone interested in business development, non-profit management, event planning (or similar fields), or special education. 

Job Qualifications – Qualified applicants must have:

• Strong written communication skills  
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Basic understanding of social media and familiarity with Microsoft Office  
• Must be comfortable engaging with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
• Must be comfortable making asks to potential sponsors and businesses you may not know to support Best Buddies 
• Have reliable transportation

Job Duties may include, but are not limited to:

Citizens Program: Friendship & Community Building

• Member Onboarding:
   Assist in scheduling introductory calls, conducting program overview meetings, and managing background checks and onboarding documents. Ensure seamless record-keeping in Salesforce and keep track of participant data, surveys, and mailing lists.

• Event Planning:
   Help plan, organize, and coordinate virtual and in-person events across counties each month. Work to ensure all events are inclusive and accessible, and provide logistical support, such as securing venues and coordinating dates and times.
• Communications:
   Draft weekly engagement emails and manage RSVPs for events, ensuring communication is clear and timely. Help maintain relationships with community partners through regular outreach.
• Buddy Matching:
   Assist in the matching process by reviewing surveys and regional data to facilitate appropriate buddy pairings. Support outreach efforts during the match process and track progress.
• Community Outreach & Partnerships:
   Help expand the program by reaching out to schools, companies, and local volunteer organizations, exploring partnership opportunities to support the Citizens Program.

Jobs Program: Employment Services for Adults with IDD

• Program Reporting:
   Assist with monthly reporting, maintaining accurate data on participants' hours, vouchers, and compliance with funding regulations.
• Employer Outreach & Development:
   Support outreach efforts to local employers, including making calls, sending emails, and conducting in-person visits. Build strong relationships with HR contacts and hiring managers to create job opportunities for participants.
• Direct Participant Support:
   Support job candidates with interview preparation, job coaching, and onboarding activities. Help fill in when staff are unavailable and suggest strategies to enhance job development and placement efforts.

School Friendship Program: Inclusive Student-Led Chapters

• Program Coordination & Support:
   Utilize Salesforce to track the progress of student chapters and monitor participation. Assist in creating promotional content and support the organization of events for student-led chapters.
• Community Outreach:
   Follow up with students and schools expressing interest in the program, providing guidance and assistance to build lasting school partnerships.

Nonprofit Leadership: Strategy, Fundraising & Engagement

• Leadership & Strategy Development:
   Work closely with leadership to help grow Best Buddies New Jersey, contributing to strategic planning and identifying areas of community impact. Support program development initiatives and conduct research to address community needs.
• Fundraising & Community Engagement:
   Assist in organizing and executing major fundraising events, such as two Best Buddies Friendship Walks and a Gala. Help identify prospective donors, sponsors, and partners, and support the creation of sponsorship proposals, donor communications, and event invitations.
• Impact Reporting:
   Help track key performance metrics and contribute to preparing reports for the board and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability. Assist in documenting success stories and positive outcomes from program participants.
• Nonprofit Operations:
   Support planning and executing community awareness events, manage partnerships, and assist in volunteer management efforts, including training and resource distribution.
• Newsletters & Social Media Management:
   Contribute to the creation and management of newsletters and social media content, promoting events and sharing participant stories to increase visibility and engagement.

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.