ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH

“A wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with critical illness.”

For children diagnosed with critical illnesses, a wish come true can be a crucial turning point in their lives. A wish can be the spark that helps these children believe that anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illness. This impact is why Make-A-Wish Metro and Western New York is driven to make every one of these wishes come true.

In the spring of 1980, a young boy in Phoenix, AZ with leukemia realized his heartfelt wish to become a police officer. His dream served as the inspiration for what is now the largest wish-granting organization in the world, the Make-A-Wish Foundation. There is nothing more powerful than making a wish come true.

Make-A-Wish is one united family, but it’s also a collection of independently chartered nonprofit organizations that stand committed to a shared vision and mission. Beginning in 1983, the Make-A-Wish Metro NY chapter granted its first wish, closely followed by the Western NY chapter which granted its first wish in 1992. In 2011, these two hardworking chapters joined forces and now serve a total of 24 counties in New York - a combined market of over 14.3 million people.

The chapter has been awarded 4 stars by Charity Navigator and named one of the 50 Best Nonprofits to Work For by The Non-Profit Times. The chapter has won the prestigious Power of One Award, presented annually by Make-A-Wish America to the chapter that contributes significantly to the greater good of Make-A-Wish beyond their own territory, the only chapter to win the award twice. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York and Western New York knows the impact of a wish is invaluable and works every day towards the noble goal of granting the wish of every eligible child.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Make-A-Wish Metro and Western New York is offering an extraordinary opportunity for a dynamic and innovative Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead one of the most recognized and impactful nonprofit organizations in the country. This chapter, with its dedicated team of 62 professionals, committed volunteer base, and strong Board of Directors, successfully grants over 650 life-changing wishes each year, bringing hope, joy, and transformation to the lives of children facing critical illnesses.

The CEO will be tasked with elevating the chapter to new heights by developing a sustainable funding model, expanding outreach, and deepening the chapter's impact across the region. This role is ideal for a highly relational, mission-driven leader with a passion for creating meaningful change. With the chapter's solid foundation, strong local relationships, and close collaboration with the national office, the CEO will be uniquely positioned to convert local successes into national partnerships, amplify the chapter's visibility, and ensure the continuation of its legacy of delivering hope to Wish Kids and their families.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy: Provide visionary leadership to a high-performing organization with a large operational footprint, ensuring continued success while identifying areas for sustainable growth and improvement. Challenge and inspire the chapter to focus on mission-critical initiatives, balancing short- and long-term objectives to maximize impact.
• Fundraising & Brand Elevation: In partnership with the Chief Development Officer, lead fundraising efforts, executing a robust development plan to diversify revenue sources. Cultivate relationships with major donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners, ensuring sustained growth and financial stability.
• Operational & Fiscal Management: Oversee the chapter’s complex financial and operational structure, ensuring efficient, effective operations while managing a significant budget and staff. Design and execute an optimal staffing and organizational structure that fosters a culture of accountability, trust, and cohesiveness. Play an active role in succession planning and board recruitment to support long-term sustainability.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, train, and motivate a high-performing team capable of meeting or exceeding the chapter's goals. Foster an environment where staff can grow, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to the mission.
• Board Collaboration: Work closely with the Board of Directors, engaging their strengths to advance the organization’s mission. Collaborate in the creation and monitoring of strategic plans and establish metrics to evaluate progress. Ensure transparency in governance and decision-making processes.
• Volunteer and Community Engagement: Ensure that volunteer programs are effectively developed and leveraged to meet the annual wish granting goals. Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders through intentional outreach, branding, and community partnerships to enhance the chapter’s visibility and engagement.
• Mission Delivery: Serve as the primary ambassador of the chapter’s mission, embodying the organization’s values and ethos. Inspire staff, volunteers, donors, and the community to actively support and advance the Make-A-Wish mission.

Qualifications

• Executive or management experience at a respected nonprofit or corporation, or significant nonprofit experience developed through voluntary service in the sector. While previous nonprofit CEO experience is highly desirable, individuals with a strong record of performance are encouraged to apply.
• Fundamental understanding or experience in major gift cultivation, solicitation, and fundraising principles as they impact an organization
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, including a proven track record in leading and growing organizations
• Has worked closely and positively with governing/fundraising boards and effectively developed and strengthened those boards
• Is a consensus builder, team builder, and a coach when working with staff and volunteers
• Attracts and retains top talent and builds strong and enduring relationships
• Possesses working knowledge of the legal, fiscal, and regulatory environment in which a nonprofit operates
• Strong business and budget management skills
• Passion for, and commitment to, the Make-A-Wish Metro and Western New York Mission
• Strategic thinker who can also plan and execute short-term objectives in pursuit of a long-term vision and create action plans that yield results
• Has personal ethics and integrity that reflect positively on the mission and the organization, is a passionate and convincing champion for the mission, and is involved and respected in the community
• Able to work collegially within the federated model of Make-A-Wish America
• Committed to championing diversity, equity and inclusion, fostering an organization that is accessible and welcoming to all
• Relationships and knowledge of communities across the region is strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree required, with an advanced degree preferred
• Travel - This position requires you to travel several times to the National office in Arizona as chapter locations in Rochester & Buffalo.

Mission Critical Objectives | Year 1

Master the Make-A-Wish Model: Quickly become well-versed in the intricacies, regulations, and best practices of delivering life-changing wishes to children, ensuring every wish is executed with excellence and care.

Strategic Planning & Sustainability: Collaborate closely with the Board, the Make-A-Wish National team, and local staff to develop and implement a long-term strategic plan that secures a sustainable funding model, positioning the chapter for continued growth and success.

Fundraising Excellence: Drive the chapter’s fundraising efforts to new heights by securing major gifts, expanding legacy giving, and forging strong corporate partnerships, ensuring a robust and diversified revenue stream.

Brand Amplification: Work in tandem with Make-A-Wish National to enhance the chapter’s brand presence, leveraging media and public relations to share the powerful impact of the organization’s work and inspire greater community engagement.

Wish Program Expansion: Strengthen and grow the wish program by actively engaging volunteers, increasing language accessibility, and ensuring that every child touched by Make-A-Wish feels supported and uplifted throughout their journey.