Intern, Programs (Summer, MARI)

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: Intern, Programs

Department: State Operations

Reports to: Operations Coordinator

# of direct reports: 0

Salary Range: Unpaid, Full time (8-10 weeks total – mid-June to mid-August

Revised date: 5/8/2025

Position Overview: The Intern, Programs will gain a holistic view of the organization, getting hands-on experience in each Best Buddies program: Jobs, Friendship, Transitions, and Eunie’s Buddies (Family Support), as well as the Development team. The internship will be broken up in 2 week rotations through the office, adding real time value to the work our team does at schools, job sites, events, and more to support the IDD Community. 

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 
• Ability to come to the Best Buddies office in Boston, MA 3 days a week
• Have reliable transportation

Job Duties may include, but are not limited to:

Jobs Program

• Create a map to show where our jobs participates are located around the state
• Organize and file participant paperwork 
• Assist in the job searching process for individuals who are seeking employment 

Friendship Program

• Attend and help organize  and plan Citizens events 
• Support the Friendship team in preparation for the BB Leadership Conference
• Assist in Ambassador trainings and events 

Family Support Program

• Assist in outreach to future mentors and mentees 
• Support Deputy Director of Eunie’s Buddies with events, social media posts, and organization

Transitions Program

• Attend internships with Manager of Transition to provide support 
• Support students at their summer school programs by traveling to the school with the Manager of Transitions and help conduct their trainings
• Help Transitions team plan and prepare for BB Leadership Conference

Development

• Participate in outreach for auction items for upcoming events 
• Create current and future social media posts for program related content and event posts
• Help develop a system to track and organize our volunteers
• Implement a communication plan to steward top donors and sponsors
• Support all development related e-communications
• Research new potential sponsors who align with the Best Buddies mission
• Help find sponsorships for fundraising events by contacting local businesses 
• Assist in planning event details and logistics
• Assist with planning of local fundraisers and third-party events contributing to larger events
• Send out thank you letters 
   

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.