Wish Coordinator

Make-A-Wish believes that a wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with a life-threatening medical condition. This one belief guides us in everything we do. It inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids and families we serve.

Make-A-Wish Connecticut is part of the nation’s largest and most well-established wish granting organization, with chapters and volunteers throughout the U.S. and abroad. The work of Make-A-Wish is accomplished by a volunteer governing board of directors, a paid staff of dedicated employees, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers.

Our local staff is dedicated to creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are committed to maintaining the Foundation’s vision of reaching every eligible child and making his or her one true wish come true.

Job Summary

The Wish Coordinator is responsible for creating unique, excellent wish experiences for every wish child. This position works closely with all members of the chapter staff, volunteers and donors to leverage resources and create a positive wish experience.

The Successful Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess excellent customer service, relationship-building and organizational skills. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills are essential. A strong work ethic combined with honesty and integrity is an absolute requirement, as is a dedication to the mission of Make-A-Wish. A collaborative style will result in a strong inter-departmental and Chapter structure, ensuring success for all. The successful candidate will be someone who enjoys a strong team environment and working with children and families.

• Manage an assigned portfolio of wishes across all wish types.
• Follow established guidelines to manage the logistics of assigned wishes including making travel arrangements, preparing itineraries, soliciting donated goods and in-kind services, purchase of goods and services, negotiating discounts and managing related volunteer support.
• Meet strategic key performance indicators as set forth periodically to meet organizational goals.
• Provide excellent customer service to wish families, wish granters and staff.
• Develop relationships with vendors statewide to secure in-kind donations as needed; may be in collaboration with Development team.
• Create and manage budgets for each wish assignment.
• Manage all aspects of wish documentation and accounting.
• Collaborate across all departments to help connect wishes and wish families with key donors, stakeholders and media opportunities.
• May help to train and mentor interns who assist the wish team.
• Adhere to all Make-A-Wish America performance standards and Make-A-Wish Connecticut internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Represent Make-A-Wish Connecticut at the required internal and external events.

As with all members of the Make-A-Wish Connecticut staff, the Wish Coordinator must believe in the mission and vision of Make-A-Wish. He or she must model integrity, work to inspire colleagues and contacts, and strive to create magical and meaningful wish experiences. In addition, the Wish Coordinator should possess the following:

• 1 or more years of non-profit experience or experience in project management, travel industry or communications field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate complex tasks and/or planning and implementing multiple projects simultaneously within established deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Inspiring, positive personality and comfort speaking with internal and external audiences.
• Collaborative work ethic with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility to work outside standard work hours.

Additional preferred skills and abilities

• Fluent Spanish-speaking a plus.
• Experience effectively working and negotiating with a variety of vendors.

The Wishing Place

• This position is an on-site role at Make-A-Wish Connecticut’s Wishing Place in Trumbull, CT.
• On-site amenities include a half-court basketball court, putting green, walking track, interactive games, unlimited ice cream, decks overlooking the ponds, and regular opportunities to experience a wish firsthand.
• Salary range: $50,000 - $58,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. 

We respect and ensure equal opportunity, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, perceived disability, and other legally protected characteristics.

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