At Make-A-Wish, we are more than a great place to work — our work is life-changing. We are an inclusive and diverse group of people who, through a mosaic of backgrounds, thought and experiences, are united in purposeful work. We are fueled and guided by our values — values that are represented in the inspired people we work with and the life-changing work we do, every day. 

We are always on the lookout for great talent who share in our passion.  If you are interested in a career or internship with Make-A-Wish, check out our current open positions.

Marketing / Communications Manager

Every wish begins with a story — a child, a family, a moment of hope. At Make-A-Wish Central New York, those stories inspire communities, mobilize donors, and remind the world what’s possible when compassion leads.

We’re looking for a Marketing / Communications Manager who believes stories can move hearts and drive action. This person will lead the voice, visibility, and brand presence of our chapter across a 15-county region, ensuring that every message reflects the power and promise of a wish.

This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership role for a creative communicator who thrives on connecting mission to message. You’ll develop and guide a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that strengthens public awareness, deepens community engagement, and supports fundraising and program goals.

The successful candidate will serve as the steward of our public-facing identity — shaping how families, donors, volunteers, partners, and media experience Make-A-Wish Central New York.

You’ll bring our mission to life through: Capturing and sharing powerful stories of wish kids, families, donors, and volunteers through written, visual, and digital content — always with compassion, sensitivity, and respect. Building strong relationships with regional media, identifying meaningful coverage opportunities, writing press materials, and helping position Make-A-Wish as a trusted, inspiring presence in our community. Leading content strategy and daily management of our website, e-newsletters, and social media channels to grow engagement and expand our reach. Ensuring all communications reflect National Brand Standards and present a consistent, compelling identity across platforms, publications, campaigns, and events. Partnering closely with Development, Programs, and Events staff to support fundraising initiatives, donor communications, special events, and mission-driven campaigns.

 At Make-A-Wish Central New York, you won’t just manage communications — you’ll help create the moments that make wishes possible.

Compensation: $62,353 - $70,000 DOE, generous PTO and benefits.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@cny.wish.org with job title in the subject line. No calls or office visits, please. Applications will be accepted until a qualified candidate is identified. NOTE: Only complete applications and those with required skills and experience will be considered.

Make-A-Wish^® Central New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

Current Internship Positions Available (Spring/Summer Interns)

DONOR RELATIONS (NON-PAID)

This intern will work with the Development team to steward and recognize donors. This individual will assist with direct mail acknowledgements, research and writing of wish stories for donor stewardship, database segmentation and analysis, writing letters, coordinating donor receptions, and various other assignments as needed.

Qualifying Skills: Excellent writing and communication abilities, good organizational skills, analytical abilities to target appropriate donors based on demographic information, computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, Web browsing, etc.), outgoing and enthusiastic to build relationships with donors, able to handle multiple tasks. College course work related to writing and communication required. Marketing/business development skills beneficial. Availability of 5-10 hours per week required.

All candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via email to calcott@cny.wish.org.

SALES AND PROMOTIONS (NON-PAID)

The Sales & Promotions Intern(s) assist the Director of Development with securing fundraising support, assisting in the design and execution of direct mail appeals, creating and implementing communication campaigns and strategies, grant writing and submission of funding applications, and general administrative tasks. Other various tasks will be assigned according to the needs of the Foundation.

Qualifying Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel etc), excellent communication skills with an outgoing personality, self-motivated, and able to handle multiple tasks. Candidate must be a college student with coursework relating to business administration and fundraising. Availability of 5-10 hours/week required

All candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via email to calcott@cny.wish.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS (NON-PAID)

The Special Events Intern supports the Foundation’s major special events. The primary responsibilities include assisting with marketing of events, facilitating the donation of auction items, and journal ads. The Special Events intern will also provide assistance and office support to the Development team, and interact with donors and vendors relating to the events.

Qualifying Skills: Complete ease and comfort in speaking with donors, excellent written and oral communication skills, good organizational skills, detail oriented, ability to handle multiple tasks. Proficiency in Excel.  Availability of 5-10 hours/week required.

All candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via email to calcott@cny.wish.org.

FUNDRAISING (NON-PAID)

The Fundraising Intern(s) assist the Director of Development with securing fundraising support, assisting in the design and execution of direct mail appeals, creating and implementing communication campaigns and strategies, grant writing and submission of funding applications, and general administrative tasks. Other various tasks will be assigned according to the needs of the Foundation.

Qualifying Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel etc), excellent communication skills with an outgoing personality, self-motivated, and able to handle multiple tasks. Candidate must be a college student with coursework relating to business administration and fundraising.  Availability of 5-10 hours/week required.

All candidates should submit a cover letter and resume via email to calcott@cny.wish.org.

Becoming an Intern:

Internships are available during the Fall, Spring & Summer semesters and applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Qualified applicants will possess strong written and oral communication skills, working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite which includes Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and demonstrate maturity and responsibility. Ability to handle multiple tasks and possess strong organizational skills is also encouraged. 

Interning is a great way to help. While we have no paid intern positions, we certainly have opportunities available for you to help the very special children we serve.

Candidates should submit cover letter and resume via email to calcott@cny.wish.org   

Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed or considered nor will applications without direct, demonstrated, required experience.  Please no calls. 

Make-A-Wish Central New York creates local, life-changing wishes through corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants and individual contributions. However, we do not solicit funds by telephone and receive no federal or state funding. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, all contributions are deductible to the extent permitted by law. Our financial statements are audited locally by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. 

At Make-A-Wish, we take our responsibility for the monies donated to our cause very seriously and are pleased to confirm that according to the fiscal year 2019 audit results, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York spent 70% of every dollar on wish granting and related program expenses. Only 10% of every dollar was spent on management and general costs and 20% was allocated to fundraising. For full financial details please review our most recent FY19 Audited Financial Statements, FY19 Impact Report or our latest 990.  

We are proud to be a BBB Accredited Charity Seal Holder, having met all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.

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