Overview
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses – many of whom go on to beat their illnesses and credit the wish with giving them the physical and emotional strength they need to persevere. Working at the #2 most-trusted charity in the US, you will have the opportunity to help children with critical illnesses to reclaim their childhood, families to experience life beyond illness, and entire communities to rally together in moments of transformational joy. Make-A-Wish is the only organization with such a unique ability to restore hope for children and families who have experienced the emotional and mental trauma of fighting pediatric critical illness.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in the NYC Headquarters, the Manager, Wish Alumni will be a proactive member of the organization, advancing the Make-A-Wish agenda in the Metro New York region. As an integral part of the Brand and Communications team, the Manager will have superior communication and organizational skills.
The Manager, Wish Alumni oversees the Metro New York chapter’s Alumni Program called Wish It Forward (WIF). WIF is an initiative to grow an engaged alumni community with the strategic goals of increased revenue and higher engagement through volunteering, experience sharing, and event participation. WIF is an inclusive process to engage wish families through feedback, regular communication, and network building. This program creates a high impact, very close-to-the-mission community who will commit their time, experiences, and financial support to get closer to our vision to grant a wish to Every Eligible Child.
The successful candidate will be a team player who balances multiple tasks and priorities and exercises sound judgment. The ideal candidate has experience as a project leader, an understanding of the nuance of working with a variety of stakeholders, and is creative and thoughtful when interacting with alumni, families and other members of the external and internal team. The position requires superior relationship building and outstanding communication skills.
Primary Responsibilities
- Create meaningful touchpoints and experiences for the alumni community after the wish has been granted, building on their journey of healing and hope.
- Organize and run a bi-weekly collaborative internal meeting to connect various needs of internal stakeholders. Anticipate opportunities and implement actions to connect all internal departments to goals.
- Work closely with the department leads in Development, Wish Granting, Volunteer Resources and Medical/Community Outreach (and their teams) to coordinate resources and implement the Alumni program throughout the wish granting journey.
- Develop and execute program communications and collateral in partnership with Brand and Communications. Ensure that all work reflects positively on the Make-A-Wish brand.
- Collaborate with IT and Operations leads, developing process efficiencies, ensure consistent tracking in Raiser’s Edge/SalesForce, and gather & populate monthly reporting that reflects program results.
- Develop strong alumni and family network. Find individuals suitable for media, storytelling, fundraising, donating, volunteering and speaking.
- Manage alumni and family involvement in internal, external, corporate, and community events.
- Oversee and/or conduct post-wish calls with wish recipients and/or family and organize an efficient reporting process.
- Train and coach volunteers, board, staff, and other stakeholders to elevate the alumni program.
- Collaborate with Make-A-Wish America and other chapters to define and refine best practices of program.
- Define and implement yearly growth plans and goals, budgets and assign KPI’s.
- Coordinate and manage interns & volunteers as needed.
Competencies
- Communications – Shows listening and comprehension; expresses ideas and thoughts verbally and in writing; keeps others adequately informed.
- Management – Navigates challenges with sensitivity and confidence; responds to the needs of executive and volunteer leaders; meets commitments.
- Planning & Organization – Integrates changes smoothly; prioritizes and plans work activities; sets goals; uses time efficiently.
- Quality – Fosters excellent quality work; adopts best practices; ensures all written work reflects positively on the MAW brand.
- Use of Technology – Keeps technical skills up to date; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree, preferably with a focus in communications, business management, project management.
- 2-4 years’ professional experience in program management, communications, or fundraising.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and achieve aims.
- General computer ability needed. Experience with database systems, such as SalesForce Raiser’s Edge, a plus.
- Ability to work autonomously in a changing environment while keeping supervisors appropriately apprised of issues, problems, opportunities and progress.
- Commitment to the mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Physical Demands
The physical demands and work environment listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Physical Demands: While performing this job employees may occasionally require to talk, stand or sit for long periods of time, walk, climb stairs, key data, stoop, twist, bend, crawl, speak and hear. Employees may drive a motor vehicle and may be required to travel during business hours and overnight up to 20% of the time. Person must also be able to move/lift up to 20 pounds.
- Work Environment: While performing this job employee is exposed to weather prevalent at the time with varying noise levels.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment Statement:
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, MAW Metro New York and Western NY will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills needed. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
How to Apply
Please use the following link to complete and submit our formal application for the Manager, Wish Alumni at Make-A-Wish:
https://makeawishmetronewyorkandwesternnewyork-vxrot.formstack.com/forms/manager_wish_alumni
Please note: only applications submitted through this link via Formstack will be considered for this position.