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, thoughts, 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 below for current open positions.

The Development Specialist is a community-facing fundraiser responsible for generating revenue and increasing brand awareness through signature events and strategic community partnerships across northwest Arkansas.

Where You Come In:

As the Development Specialist, you will be responsible for: 

• Event and Campaign Leadership

• Lead the planning, production, and execution of the chapter’s two signature internal events: Walk for Wishes and Dancing with Our Stars, to ensure a positive experience for participants, sponsors, and stakeholders
• Strategically develop, recruit, and provide leadership to volunteer working committees
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual and corporate donors for cash and in-kind support to meet fundraising goals
• Manage event budgets by tracking revenue and expenses associated with assigned fundraising campaigns
• Develop and maintain Basecamp sites to manage event logistics, timelines, and internal coordination
• Partner with the Marketing team to develop and implement PR plans, messaging, digital marketing, print materials, and event signage
• Monitor internal procedures for event production and recommend process improvements as needed

• Community Engagement

• Recruit, coach, and steward Wish Heroes to raise funds through peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives
• Oversee and support third-party special events to ensure adherence to event policies and brand standards
• Create and implement a cultivation and solicitation strategy for schools and youth programs in Northwest Arkansas through the Kids for Wish Kids program
• Represent Make-A-Wish Mid-South at speaking engagements and presentations to community groups, donors, and partners
• Implement the chapter donor stewardship plan to build and maintain strong donor relationships

To read the full job description and see all other requirements, please click here.

Looking for an internship that makes a real impact?
At Make-A-Wish Mid-South, interns don’t just gain experience — they help bring life-changing joy to children with critical illnesses. It’s a chance to grow professionally while contributing to something truly meaningful.

As an intern, you’ll:

• Learn how a nonprofit operates day-to-day
• Build career-ready skills in communications, development, program services, and more
• Support wish-granting efforts that directly impact local families
• Work alongside a passionate, mission-driven team

Schedule & Flexibility
Our office follows a hybrid schedule:

• Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m
• Friday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m

Intern hours are flexible within those times and can be tailored to fit your academic schedule. At this time, all Make-A-Wish internships are unpaid, but offer course credit for your degree program. 

Internship Application Deadlines

Thinking about applying? Here’s what you need to know:

• Spring Semester: Resumes due by October 31

• Summer Semester: Resumes due by March 31

• Fall Semester: Resumes due by June 31

Late submissions won’t be considered. Once your resume is submitted, our team will review your application and reach out to schedule interviews.

To apply for an internship, please email your resume and cover letter to Amanda Wiig, Director of Marketing at awiig@midsouth.wish.org.

Please note: We’re unable to accept phone inquiries about internship status.

“When I accepted my internship position at Make-A-Wish, I had no idea just how deeply it would impact me. Not only did I gain real-world experience and develop a new set of skills...but I also gained a greater understanding of what it means to become a part of something bigger than myself.” - Kara Miller, Make-A-Wish Mid-South intern