Job Description
About Make-A-Wish® Orange County and Inland Empire
The inspiration and vision for Make-A-Wish began in Phoenix, Arizona in 1980 when a community came together for Christopher James Greicius, a 7-year-old boy battling leukemia, whose wish was to be a police officer. Receiving a custom-tailored uniform, a motorcycle helmet, and his very own battery-operated motorbike, the magic of that one wish created a movement. Today, Make-A-Wish has granted hundreds of thousands of life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses across the U.S. and its territories.
Make-A-Wish OCIE carries out its impactful work with a dedicated staff of 12. The Chapter partners with community volunteers to deliver its programs and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Across the region, the chapter works to grant approximately 200 life-changing wishes each year.
About the Opportunity
Organizational Leadership
Design the optimal organizational structure, develop and retain a passionate and effective team, and build a culture of trust, cohesiveness, accountability, and engagement.
Strategic Vision and Execution
Create and implement a clear and concise short and mid-term strategic plan to increase revenue, grant more wishes, and enhance organizational culture.
Fundraising & Development
Design and execute the development plan and actively fundraise to increase revenue through enhanced relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, funders, and community partners.
Board Engagement & Effectiveness
In partnership with the board chair, recruit, retain, and engage a diverse and effective Board of Directors and Committees, leverage their strengths to advance the mission, and provide the transparency necessary for effective governance.
Brand Advancement
Intentionally enhance stakeholder relationships and commitment to Make-A-Wish while increasing brand awareness and engagement through effective messaging, community outreach, relationship-building, partnership collaboration, and purposeful calls-to-action.
Financial and Operational Oversight
Implement a process to ensure the organization has the proper financial oversight, internal controls, forecasting, and transparent reporting to maintain and improve the fiscal health of the Chapter.
Mission Delivery and Non-Profit DNA
Inspire staff, volunteers, and donors by authentically embodying the mission and ethos of the organization.
Key Qualifications and Attributes
The Board of Directors sees the ideal candidate for CEO matching as many of the following aspects as possible:
- Passion for, and commitment to, the Make-A-Wish mission
Executive or management experience at a respected nonprofit or public institution, 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
Demonstrated results in major gift cultivation and solicitation, and working knowledge of 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
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
Is 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
Relationships and knowledge of communities across the region is strongly preferred
Bachelor’s degree required, with an advanced degree preferred
Apply
- Interested candidates complete the online application
- Upload your resume and cover letter.
- If you are interested in the position, please inquire as soon as possible.
Initial Screening
- A Sagency Search Consultant may schedule an initial 15-20 minute phone call with qualified applicants.
Sagency Interview
- A Sagency Search Consultant will schedule a 60-minute interview with specific candidates.
Online Assessment
- After this initial interview process with Sagency, qualified candidates may be asked to complete an online assessment.
Client Interviews
- First-round interviews with Make-A-Wish.
If you are interested in this position, please submit your resume as soon as possible.Thank you.