Senior Director of Wish Granting

Location
Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic 6555 Rock Spring Drive Suite 280, Bethesda, MD, 20817
Summary

Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic is recruiting for a senior director to manage all aspects of wish granting. This is a unique opportunity to bring hope, strength, and joy to local children with critical illnesses through the magic of wish-granting. The ideal candidate is a mission-driven leader who can navigate complex family dynamics and the sensitive needs of children with complex medical conditions. The person should be a collaborative team leader with a strong desire to build partnerships internally and externally with medical providers, volunteers, donors, and diverse community organizations.

The Senior Director of Wish Granting is responsible for granting as many impactful and equitable wishes as possible every fiscal year through prudent cash management, increased in-kind donations and volunteer support. The Senior Director of Wish Granting will serve as a member of the chapter leadership team.

Responsibilities
  • Participates in organizational strategic planning and goal setting.
  • Creates, implements and monitors progress of annual departmental operating plan.
  • Develops and monitors departmental budget in collaboration with COO & CFO.
  • Ensures monthly wish file close and reconciliation.
  • Responsible for all wish approvals, oversight for scheduling and budgeting. Seeks CEO approval for all wishes of $10,000+.
  • Routinely shares information on wishes once they are determined with leadership team to identify synergies with donors and volunteers.
  • Resolves any wish-related problems / conflicts affecting wish children and their families that could damage the organization’s reputation, notifying the President and CEO as soon as possible.
  • Handles a caseload of high publicity, time sensitive and / or complex wishes to support wish team efficiency.
  • Monitors pipeline throughout all stages of the wish process to optimize efficiency and ensure timely execution of wishes in an equitable manner. Utilizes pipeline metrics (e.g., wish aging) and takes corrective action to meet or exceed chapter goals and National benchmarks.
  • Sets wish satisfaction standards, monitors results of post-wish survey, and takes any necessary course corrections to ensure wishes are of the highest quality and impact.
  • In collaboration with the CEO, serves as liaison to Board Mission Delivery Committee and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and with prior approval of CEO, communicates directly with Board on wish granting needs and opportunities for engagement.
  • Identifies, establishes and nurtures partnerships with organizations serving low income, native speaking and underrepresented communities
  • Oversees all volunteer groups related to wishes (i.e., Wish Granting Volunteers, volunteers for wish enhancements and engagement); including but not limited to trainings, councils, recruitment, retention, recognition and compliance as well as wish assignments.
  • Oversees management of Medical Advisory Panel to ensure that members (1) represent the children we serve; (2) assist staff in determining eligibility and appropriateness of wish when needed; and (3) advise on how chapter can reach every eligible child.
  • Collaborates closely with Revenue Team to identify, solicit and steward relationships to attract and retain cash donors. Serve as the primary relationship manager for in-kind prospects and donors to enhance wishes and increase program department in-kind percentage.
  • Collaborate with the Revenue Team (fundraising and marketing/ PR) by providing data, stories, wish kid matches, and other materials to support funding proposals and events.
  • Collaborate with the Revenue Team on identifying wish families to actively engage in the Wish Alumni Program.
  • Maintains integrity of wish children and related constituent records in chapter database and hard copy files, as directed by National Standards of Use and procedures.
  • Maintains sensitivity and confidentiality to families being served by the chapter.
  • Works closely with COO & CFO to ensure accurate reporting of monthly wish verification for the chapter to Make-A-Wish America and to ensure timeline and accurate completion of wish file closeout process for compliance and audit purposes.
  • Adheres to all Make-A-Wish America performance standards and Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, Inc. internal controls, policies and procedures.
  • Adheres to the highest ethical standards in management and governance
  • Attends chapter events as needed.
Requirements
  • Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule.
  • Must believe in the mission and vision of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
  • Strong skill in verbal and interpersonal communication.
  • Strong skill in financial management.
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer (wish family and volunteer) service. This includes assessing customer needs, meeting quality standards and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Knowledge of and adherence to the Foundation’s policies, procedures and processes regarding incoming external donations.
  • Ability to demonstrate an orientation to detail, organization and result.
  • Ability to demonstrate a belief in the mission and vision of the Foundation
  • Ability to display expertise in managing programs, volunteer education and management, and fiscal management.
  • Ability to demonstrate a high level of comfort in dealing with a diverse group of individuals, families and other contacts.
  • Ability to solve problems and to think strategically and tactically about opportunities to raise funds, balance competing priorities and work collaboratively with colleagues.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, and work in a deadline driven environment.
  • Ability to demonstrate a high level of professional demeanor; communicate and work successfully with a wide variety of constituents including donors, board members, volunteers and consultants to build lasting relationships.
  • Ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity, trustworthiness, flexibility, compassion and humor necessary to address the practicalities of a growing nonprofit, along with the creativity and persistence required to elicit new thinking and change.
Education & Experience
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. MSW, RN, or Child Life Specialist preferred.
  • Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience managing programs within a non-profit organization. Experience working with children with critical illnesses and/or families with complex relationships/dynamics preferred.
  • Computer/System Skills: Microsoft Office and SalesForce database management software.
  • Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: MSW, RN, or Child Life Specialist preferred.
Chapter Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  • Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, dental, vision insurance; life/disability insurance; 403b company match; paid vacation and holidays
  • Hybrid work environment
How to Apply

To apply submit your cover letter and resume to: [email protected].

Other Info
  • Employment Status: Exempt
  • Location: Hybrid / Bethesda Office (2 days – Tuesday / Wednesday from Memorial Day to Labor Day; Tuesday / Thursday from Labor Day to Memorial Day)
  • Reports to: President & CEO

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a diverse workforce. We value all employees’ talents and support an environment that is inclusive and respectful.