Careers & Internships

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.

Volunteer Coordinator (MEM) 

The Volunteer Coordinator works to recruit and train a network of volunteers to provide quality wish experiences for children and their families, in addition to working to place volunteers at events to assist staff with event production.

Where You Come In:

As a Volunteer Coordinator, you will:

  • Coordinate, organize, and manage all aspects of the volunteer program – including recruitment, placement, training, recognition, and retention of all Chapter volunteers.
  • Actively recruit wish-granting, event, and airport greeter volunteers.
  • Build strong relationships with volunteers to ensure a positive and impactful wish experience for wish families, donors, and other volunteers.
  • Coordinates all aspects of volunteer training for new and existing volunteers.
  • Ensures that volunteers are in compliance with the standards of the national and local office.

What You'll Need:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.
  • Minimum of 3 years of project management, special events, or volunteer management experience.
  • Proficient in Salesforce and data management preferred.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of programs.
  • Strong written and verbal communication.
  • Demonstrate the ability to focus on details and prioritize multiple tasks and duties – effectively and efficiently.
  • Ability to motivate, support, and work directly with a diverse constituency.
  • Establish and maintain filing systems.
  • Ability to travel regionally as required.
  • Bilingual – in Spanish – preferred.

Read the full job description and application instructions here

Corporate Development Specialist (MEM)

The Corporate Development Specialist raises funds from corporations in the north Mississippi, northeast Arkansas, and west Tennessee regions through corporate and corporate foundation giving, the Wishmakers at Work program, cause marketing campaigns, and national corporate partnerships. The Corporate Development Specialist is responsible for donor research, Moves Management, donor stewardship, and all necessary actions to achieve revenue goals.

Where You Come In:

As the Corporate Development Specialist, you will:

  • Develop strategies and implement plans to cultivate, upgrade, and acquire corporate giving through Wishmakers at Work efforts, matching gift opportunities, general corporate giving, and corporate foundation giving.
  • Act as liaison for Make-A-Wish America corporate partnerships to promote and support campaigns on a local level. Act as Chapter Lead on these national corporate alliances by relaying relevant information to Development staff in Arkansas.
  • Cultivate and implement all Cause Marketing campaigns in north Mississippi, northeast Arkansas, and west Tennessee while ensuring compliance with MAWA and BBB standards.
  • Establish and maintain excellent donor relationships by implementing the chapter donor stewardship plan.

What You'll Need:

  • A bachelor’s degree in communication, marketing, non-profit management, or a similar field is required.
  • Minimum of 3 years work experience in fundraising, sales, or account management, or a relevant field.
  • Skills and experience in presenting and managing relationships with corporations and their senior leadership.
  • Ability to work with and build effective long-term relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Manage and prioritize multiple tasks effectively and efficiently.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Comfortable speaking in front of groups.
  • Thorough understanding of the Memphis community as well as the regional area.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to the Make-A-Wish mission.
  • Ability and willingness to travel regionally as required by the position.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related products.
  • Experience in Salesforce or other CRM products preferred.

Read the full job description and application instructions here

Internships

Make-A-Wish Mid-South has several internships that offer on-the-job training as well as a chance to impact the lives of children with critical illnesses. 

We work with students year-round who are looking to gain experience in program services (mission delivery), development (fundraising/ events), marketing, special events, and volunteer management. Internships are available in our Memphis and Little Rock offices. We request a 10 to 20-hour-per-week commitment for the duration of two quarters/one semester by potential internship applicants. Make-A-Wish internships generally provide college credit. A staff member will provide all needed training relevant to Make-A-Wish Mid-South. 
 
Requirements:  
- Submit an internship application 
- Background check  
- Interview  
- Four to six-month minimum time commitment 

 

Marketing/Communications intern
  • Support in pre-planning social media content and strategy using Sprout Social platform
  • Create engaging blog and social media content. 
  • Complete social media communication requests received from staff members in a timely manner. 
  • Compose wish stories and other website content 
  • Create and edit graphic design collateral as needed 
  • Write press releases for upcoming wishes, and communicate with media as needed 
  • Writing sample is required along with resume and cover letter. 
  • Ideal for applicants pursuing a degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or Marketing. 
Program Services Intern
  • Responsible for assisting the Wish Coordinators in all aspects of wish granting. 
  • Assist with prepping and mailing some wish materials 
  • Write thank you letters for donors. 
  • Update wish database, scan paperwork and complete wish file close out. 
  • Support wish interviews with wish families. 
  • Ideal for applicants pursuing a degree in Family and Child Development, Human Development, Psychology, or related field. 
Development Intern
  • Responsible for supporting fundraising staff in all aspects of revenue generation from fundraising event to cultivating individual and major donors. 
  • Assists with the coordination day-of vendors for events. 
  • Assists with design, copy writing and production of donor materials and ongoing correspondence. 
  • Conducts prospect research and analysis to support solicitation strategies. 
  • Assists with the organization and tracking of donor and sponsor information. 
  • Assists with in-kind solicitation for auction items. 
  • Ideal for candidates pursuing a degree in Non-Profit Management, Business Administration or related field. 

“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