About Make-A-Wish® Michigan

Make-A-Wish Michigan is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving the state of Michigan for over 40 years. Having granted the wishes of over 12,500 children across Michigan, it is one of 58 chapters in the country chartered and networked by Make-A-Wish America headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

The organization serves children with critical illnesses and their families. With a dedicated and collaborative staff, team members who are mission-driven and motivated, enjoy playing a role in the significant impact of Make-A-Wish Michigan. The Chapter has a stellar reputation in the communities it serves and carries out its impactful work with a dedicated staff of 39. While wishes are referred and completed on an ongoing basis, the Chapter averages about 500 wishes granted each year. The Chapter’s programs are delivered by over 1,250 volunteers, and it is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Volunteers and wish families all report high levels of satisfaction in annual assessments.

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW

Make-A-Wish Michigan, one of the nation’s most recognized nonprofits, seeks a Vice President of Marketing to broaden awareness, drive the mission, and increase donor support to achieve an annual revenue target of $15M. The ideal candidate will be driven, creative, collaborative, and passionate about the mission of creating hope for children with critical illnesses and their families.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

The relevant experience and skills to effectively carry out the key accountabilities of the position include Strategic Planning and Execution, Technology and Analysis, Strategic Partnerships, and Brand Integrity and Communication. 

Strategic Planning and Execution

•  Create and implement an actionable strategy for all marketing, communications and media relations efforts with an emphasis on increasing positive, statewide exposure for brand recognition and growing public support
• Develop and manage comprehensive omni-channel marketing plans and budgets to meet revenue and awareness goals
• Lead the creation of and oversee all written and electronic promotional materials to include all print material, fundraising collateral, public service campaigns, news releases, speeches/scripts, and all digital presence for the chapter

Technology and Analysis

• Through search engine and social media analytics, closely monitor, track and improve brand experience for target groups including annual and social media campaigns, digital advertising and engagement, and have agile responses to assure optimal outcomes based on ROI and KPIs
• Utilize a variety of marketing technologies and testing methodologies to guide strategies knowing that some results will come from the long-term strategy

Strategic Partnerships (External and Internal)

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify communications opportunities and anticipate current or emerging challenges and develop appropriate strategies and solutions with the leadership team
• Identify and build relationships with external stakeholders that are essential for developing key partnerships including business community leaders, media outlets, hospitals, clinics/healthcare centers, medical associations, elected officials, and other charitable organizations
• Identify and recommend corporate partnership opportunities and oversee the promotion of campaigns, cause-marketing partnerships, and the value of being aligned with the Make-A-Wish brand and awareness of the mission
• Work closely with the Chief Diversity and Engagement Officer to execute marketing and communications projects and campaigns to support the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work

Brand Integrity and Communication 

• Champion the Make-A-Wish Michigan brand, providing overall guidance and direction to the chapter and ensuring adherence to proper use and consistency, to ultimately protect the integrity of the brand
• Serve as a spokesperson for the chapter, creating positive, consistent messaging, and capturing engaging storytelling opportunities through team members and appropriate stakeholders
• Recreate and reimagine engagement pitch packages for corporate and individual fundraising solicitations, and work with the development team to foster an inclusive and holistic team approach to improve donor engagement
• Utilize impactful story telling by synergizing mission and data-driven information to summarize key insights to both internal and external stakeholders on strategic opportunities and solutions

IS THIS ROLE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU?

The ideal candidate for the position matching as many aspects as possible in the bullets below:

• Passion for and commitment to Make-A-Wish Michigan’s mission
• Minimum of five years of leading a marketing initiative in a professional capacity
• Experience working in a fundraising or sales environment, leveraging purposeful calls-to-action
• A demonstrated ability to plan and operate strategically, to build support, and increase efficiency and processes
• Exceptional writing and oral communication skills
• Project management and data analytics skills
• The ability to plan, set goals and objectives, organize, and follow through
• A strong interpersonal and communication skill set and demonstrated ability to work effectively with and gain the respect and support of internal and external stakeholders
• Experience with a variety of data analytics tools including but not limited to Google and Facebook ads
• Knowledge of digital and TV media data and tv media strategies
• Proficient computer skills, database management, with preferred experience in Salesforce software
• Bachelor’s degree required
•  

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Make-A-Wish Michigan offers a competitive salary based on experience and comprehensive benefits package.

THE SEARCH:

Sagency, an executive search and leadership consulting firm, has been retained by Make-A-Wish® Michigan to conduct this search for their next Vice President of Marketing. Sagency consultants will review and evaluate all interested parties to help the search committee review a final group for consideration.

The search will be conducted in a professional manner and all potential candidates will be given consideration by the search firm and Make-A-Wish Michigan. Candidate conversations and information will be handled with great discretion and confidentiality. Sagency and Make-A-Wish Michigan are equal opportunity employers.

If after reading this Opportunity Profile, you sense that your experience, skills, and passion are a good match for Make-A-Wish Michigan and this role, we would like to engage with you. Please read below for the first part of the application and selection process.

Next Steps - Application and Selection Process:

Step 1: Interested candidates complete the online application.

• Upload your resume and cover letter.
• The online application will be posted until the position is filled.

Step 2: A Sagency Executive Search Consultant may schedule an initial phone call with qualified applicants.

Step 3: A Sagency Executive Search Consultant will schedule a 60-minute interview with specific candidates.

Step 4: If you are selected and choose to move on to interviews with the hiring team, you will be asked to complete an online assessment.

Step 5: First round interviews with Make-A-Wish Michigan.

Thank you for your interest in this role.