Careers at Make-A-Wish Arizona

Why Work at Make-A-Wish Arizona?

Who We Are:

At Make-A-Wish® Arizona, we are more than a great place to work — our work is life-changing. 45 years ago, the inspiration for Make-A-Wish began with one Arizona boy's wish to be a police officer. Today, the global organization has granted more than 500,000 wishes (more than 8,500 wishes in Arizona alone) and transformed countless lives.

We at Make-A-Wish Arizona are extremely team-oriented. We are striving to create an inclusive and diverse office that incorporates teamwork, open communication, and strategic leadership. We are looking for passionate individuals who share the same passion for building trust, improving communication, and creating strategies for success.

Our Mission: Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Our Vision: To grant the wish of every eligible child.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive compensation with annual incentive potential up to 10% of salary
  • Comprehensive benefit package: Medical, Vision, Dental
  • Health Savings Accounts generously funded by the employer and Flexible Spending Account Options
  • Employer-paid Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a generous employer match
  • 20 PTO days, 5 Sick Days, 14 Paid Holidays, and 1 Volunteer Day annually
  • Paid sabbatical after 5 years of service
  • A cohesive and welcoming culture
  • We close at noon every Friday!
Available Positions

JOB TITLE: Executive Assistant
REPORTS TO: Director of Operations

Purpose of Position: The role of Executive Assistant provides administrative support to the CEO & Executive Team. The position may also provide support to other members of the leadership team when needed.  The position provides support to the Foundation overseeing supplies as well as coordinating daily IT needs of staff and acting as liaison with Centralized Technology Services (CTS) provided by the Make-A-Wish National Office. A successful executive assistant is an energetic professional who doesn't mind wearing multiple hats. Experience in handling a wide range of administrative duties and executive support-related tasks, an ability to work independently with little or no supervision, excellent communication and organizational skills and a  friendly customer service approach is a must for this position.  He/she should be well organized, flexible, and enjoy the administrative challenges of supporting an office.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Acts as Assistant to the Executive Team of three-including, but not limited to, scheduling meetings, preparation of meeting documents, timely submission of expense report activity, managing files and communications, etc.
  • Serves as backup to the administrative assistant and ensures there is coverage of the front desk during business hours
  • Assists with new employee on-boarding process
  • Maintains a professional presence and rapport at all times in interactions by phone or in person, in the face of rapidly changing circumstances, with board members, volunteers, donors, wish families, staff, and the community at large
  • Assists staff with IT needs not requiring the skills of CTS (Excludes NOAH)
  • Coordinates bidding of prices for various office supplies & manages office supply inventory 
  • Oversees general equipment maintenance such as the telephone system, telephone and data lines, as well as fax, copy, postage and other office equipment.  Ensures smooth daily operations, solicits bids for repair/upgrade/purchasing of such items and manages contracts with appropriate vendors
  • Manages utilization/bookings for conference room space and computer requirements
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Attends Leadership meetings as a “non-voting” member. Takes and distributes minutes and / or action items.
  • Schedules regular and special meetings, including managing all logistics for off-sites and retreats.
  • Act as “eyes and ears” for CEO maintaining confidentiality, being aware of sensitive issues and making appropriate judgement about what to communicate and share with State Director or others.
  • Maintains internal team huddle calendar and operates technology during weekly team huddles

Desired Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent job experience
  • Outstanding written and oral communications skills
  • Exemplary customer service skills and attitude, poised, knowledgeable, caring professional
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, as well as the ability to manage time and adhere to deadlines
  • Able to manage multiple tasks at the same time with professionalism
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot & resolve technological problems
  • Typing 40+ WPM
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and general office equipment
  • Salesforce experience preferred, but not required
  • A high level of sensitivity when dealing with staff, donors, volunteers, wish families, and board members
  • Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements:

  • Communicate effectively in person or using telecommunications equipment
  • Enter and locate information on computer
  • Grasp, manipulate and turn objects of varying size and weight requiring fine motor skills and hand eye coordination
  • Sitting position while performing office tasks and while driving
  • Ability to type on computer keyboard and use computer mouse
  • Write documents and reports using a writing instrument or computer
  • Occasional stooping, bending, lifting, carrying and/or placing of boxes of documents or other materials weighing less than 25 lbs
  • Presents information in small or large group settings and to individuals
  • Reads and visually verifies information often in small print
  • Stand, move, and/or walk between offices, departments and during fundraising or events, sometimes on uneven ground
  • Exposure to inclement and outdoor weather when walking between office buildings and participating in fund raising or events
  • Travel to and from fundraising events and to fulfill of administrative/finance duties, as needed.
  • Working hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., with breaks per company policy.  Occasional evenings and weekends for special events and meetings.

Other Information:

  • Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job, though this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.
  • This position is classified as Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Exempt and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

How to Apply:

Please submit a Cover Letter, Resume, and Three References to jobs@arizona.wish.org.

 

 

JOB TITLE: Alumni Storytelling & Content Manager
REPORTS TO: Senior Director of PR & Marketing

Purpose of Position: The Alumni Storytelling & Content Manager is a dynamic and relationship-driven communicator responsible for engaging Make-A-Wish Arizona alumni and capturing the powerful stories of Wish Alumni across our chapter. This role serves as a bridge between our mission and the community developing meaningful relationships with former wish recipients and their families while producing compelling content to support outreach, donor engagement, media opportunities, and events.

As a creative digital storyteller, the manager will lead efforts to gather, craft, and share wish stories that reflect the transformative impact of a wish experience. These stories will serve as valuable resources for the broader Marketing & Development team and be leveraged across multiple platforms to inspire action and elevate public awareness of the Alumni Program.

This role plays a pivotal part in ensuring that every wish kid's story is honored and that alumni remain lifelong champions of our mission as advocates, referral sources, donors, volunteers, and ambassadors.

 

Key Responsibilities

      Public Relations & Storytelling:

  • Utilize cutting edge storytelling techniques to create and execute content delivery for Make-A-Wish Arizona. This includes content generation for social media posts, blog articles, short video production, digital media assets, email promotions, and local event coverage.
  • Collaborate with PR and Marketing and Community Engagement teams to highlight impactful Wish Alumni stories for external audiences, media, donors, and volunteers.
  • Identify and prepare alumni speakers for events, ensuring they effectively share their experiences to inspire others.
  • Create and repurpose engaging storytelling content for video, newsletters, social media, and other promotional channels.
  • Develop and execute brand storytelling initiatives to effectively communicate the impact of Make-A-Wish wishes on wish children and their families.
  • Manage a portfolio of families monthly to hit goals for outreach and content gathering.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to identify families that could engage at higher levels including fundraising and ambassadorship.
  • Partner with Senior Digital Marketing Manager to oversee alumni email marketing initiatives, including content creation, segmentation, scheduling, and performance tracking.
  • Utilize graphic design and videography skills to create visually compelling and shareable content that aligns with the organization's brand identity.
  • Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices in social media, digital marketing, storytelling, and nonprofit marketing to continuously improve content strategies and tactics.

       Alumni Engagement & Support:

  • Serve as the primary liaison for alumni, ensuring they feel supported, recognized, and engaged in chapter activities. This role will gather feedback on the wish, begin building relationships with each family, and gather content.
  • Foster active participation within the Alumni community through strategic communication, social media engagement, and events.
  • Build a sense of community by maintaining regular touchpoints with wish recipients and their families.
  • Serve as a representative of the organization with respect to alumni engagement and relations, including the alumni chapter Facebook group, and other initiatives as needed.

       Program Management & Administrative Tasks:

  • Oversee alumni-related projects using tools like Monday.com and Salesforce to ensure timely responses and efficient project tracking.
  • Manage tasks, connect projects, and update records to maintain smooth operations across departments.
  • Creates materials for donor and alumni cultivation and events
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English/Creative Writing or related field (preferred) or years of equivalent experience
  • Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in roles with heavy writing and content generation.
  • Proficiency in social media and email marketing platforms and experience managing email campaigns from conception to execution.
  • Background in graphic design and videography, with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro) or similar software.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling.
  • Strong project management skills, experience with project management and CRM tools like Monday.com and Salesforce preferred.
  • Comfortable working independently and taking initiative, with the ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and manage tight deadlines.
  • This role is hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote) with some nights and weekends needed around specific event dates.
  • Bi-lingual preferred to support the full Make-A-Wish community.

How To Apply:

Interested candidates MUST submit a resume, cover letter, a writing sample*, and link to video portfolio link to jobs@arizona.wish.org.

 

Writing Sample Prompt:

As the Alumni Storytelling & Content Manager, you will be responsible for crafting emotionally compelling stories that highlight the impact of a wish experience across a variety of formats and platforms.

For this prompt, please imagine the following scenario:

An 8-year-old boy with a heart condition has his wish granted to have a puppy. The puppy is playful and chases the boy through the grass, licking his face with excitement. The wish experience brings comfort, healing, and joy to the boy and his family.

Please submit the following:

  1. 250-word version of the story – suitable for a donor newsletter.
  2. 500-word version of the story – suitable for a blog or website feature.
  3. Social media post – Instagram/Facebook style, under 280 words, warm and engaging, with a suggested hook or headline and call to action.

We’re looking for warmth, mission alignment, clear structure, and adaptability in tone and format. Feel free to be creative while staying rooted in our mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

 *Applications without all of these will not be accepted. Applications sent anywhere but the jobs@arizona.wish.org email will not be accepted.

 

 

JOB TITLE: Director of Corporate Relations
REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer

Purpose of Position: A Director of Corporate Relations is a leadership position focused on building and maintaining relationships with external organizations, particularly corporations, to advance the organization's goals. This role involves developing and implementing strategies for corporate fundraising, partnerships, and sponsorships, while also managing communications and community outreach. They play a key part in shaping the organization's public image and ensuring alignment between corporate interests and the organization's mission. 

In essence, the Director of Corporate Relations acts as a bridge between the organization and the corporate world, fostering mutually beneficial relationships that advance the organization's mission and contribute to its long-term success. 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Creates proposals and exploring new opportunities in conjunction with CEO, Director of New Business Partnerships, Events Director and Development team
  • Assist in crafting proposals and exploring new corporate opportunities to expand the organization's fundraising efforts.
  • Create positive relationships with community organizations & funders.
  • Identify prospective donors through research and take proactive steps to initiate sponsorship and funding opportunities.
  • Cultivate positive relationships with current and potential business partners to foster ongoing support for the organization's initiatives.
  • Work closely with the marketing team to develop and enhance marketing plans for events and programs, ensuring alignment with sponsorship and fundraising goals.
  • Collaborate effectively with team members to promote and advance the organization's initiatives, leveraging teamwork to achieve common objectives.
  • Demonstrate the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple milestones and projects efficiently to meet fundraising goals effectively.
  • Exhibit strong written and interpersonal communication skills when interacting with customers, sponsors, and other stakeholders, always maintaining a professional demeanor.
  • Bring experience in planning and executing large‐scale events and fundraisers, utilizing this expertise to drive successful fundraising initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Strategic Planning: Developing and executing comprehensive corporate relations strategies to achieve organizational goals, including fundraising targets and partnership objectives. 
  • Relationship Management: Building and nurturing strong relationships with corporate executives, key stakeholders, and potential donors. 
  • Fundraising & Sponsorships: Identifying, cultivating, and soliciting corporate gifts, grants, and sponsorships to support the organization's programs and initiatives. 

Desired Qualifications:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with knowledge of communication principles and practices to effectively interact with donors, sponsors, team members, and other stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in data entry systems and reporting tools is necessary to accurately track fundraising activities and donor information.
  • Knowledge of social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter) and website management is required to promote fundraising events and initiatives effectively.
  • Demonstrated interest and willingness to learn about development practices and become an impactful development professional.
  • Proficiency in MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook) is necessary, along with experience using databases. Knowledge of Salesforce CRM is advantageous.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, multitask, and follow through with minimal direction to meet deadlines and achieve fundraising goals.
  • Proven experience in fundraising, particularly in corporate and foundation relations. 
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders internally and externally.
  • Ability to develop and implement effective strategies to achieve organizational goals. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities. 
  • Corporate/Company Portfolio, which will be kept in Salesforce
  • Understanding business principles, corporate structures, and the needs of corporate partners. 
  • Familiarity with legal and ethical guidelines related to corporate relations and fundraising. 
  • Attention to detail, strong project management skills, and organizational abilities are crucial for coordinating fundraising events and activities effectively.
  • Willingness to pitch in and support team members wherever necessary to ensure the success of fundraising initiatives.
  • Ability to work with multiple teams and collaborate with other leaders, while organizing and prioritizing projects and fundraising.
  • Ability to create outstanding presentations, including proficiency in PowerPoint. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is a plus, enhancing the ability to create visually appealing materials for fundraising campaigns.
  • A bachelor’s degree in a related field or 3-5 years of experience working in fundraising or project organization is preferred.

Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job, though this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

This position is classified as Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Exempt and is not eligible for overtime compensation. 

How to Apply:

Please submit a Cover Letter, Resume, and Three References to jobs@arizona.wish.org

 

Get Involved

Our goal this year is to grant 475 wishes for Arizona children facing critical illnesses. We are expanding our efforts and reach statewide so we can get closer to our vision - to grant the wish of every eligible child.

Every wish is as unique as the kids we serve. The common thread behind these wishes? Each wish is possible because of supporters in our community!

Fundraise for your upcoming birthday or anniversary.

Meet wish kids whose stories of hope and resilience will inspire you.

Become a volunteer to grant wishes for waiting kids.

See more ways how you can get involved with our chapter and help grant wishes!

Internship Opportunities

The Make-A-Wish Arizona internship program is designed for young professionals with the goal of being a leader in the nonprofit sector. All interns must be 18 years of age or older. To learn more or apply, please visit Internships - Make-A-Wish® Arizona.

Belonging

At Make-A-Wish Arizona, everyone is different and valued. We believe that people of any race, color, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, faith, religion, age, physical and mental ability, neurodiversity, socioeconomic status, nationality, cultural background, military status, or any other aspect which makes them unique are welcome and important. Together, we continue to build a community that fosters so that we can grant the wish of every eligible child. 

At Make-A-Wish Arizona, we strive to communicate openly and honestly while speaking our truth. We encourage all to do the same, and we acknowledge that these conversations can be difficult and uncomfortable. All viewpoints are welcome unless they spread misinformation or diminish or dehumanize others. Our commitment to this work enriches our organization and makes us all stronger together.