Chief Executive Officer

Austin, TX, United States

About Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas

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

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 Central & South Texas carries out its impactful work with a dedicated staff of 17. The Chapter partners with community volunteers to deliver its programs and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Annually, the chapter grants approximately 300 wishes across its territory.

The Opportunity

The Central & South Texas chapter of Make-A-Wish, one of the nation’s most recognized nonprofits seeks a dynamic and inspiring Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to successfully guide the Chapter into the future. With a dedicated staff, a strong board, and an engaged volunteer force, the selected candidate will be well-positioned to make a significant mission impact.This is an ideal position for a highly relational, empathetic, and mission-driven leader with a track record of achievement and results. The relevant experience and skills to effectively carry out the key accountabilities of the position include Strategic Vision & Execution, Organizational Leadership, Fundraising & Development, Brand Advancement & Relationship Skills, Mission Delivery & Non-Profit DNA, Board Engagement & Effectiveness, and Financial & Operational Oversight.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Vision and Execution

Ensure the creation and execution of a clear and actionable strategy to make significant and measurable progress toward achieving the Chapter’s vision while exploring new and innovative solutions to effectively meet the growing demand for wish experiences.

Organizational Leadership

Develop and retain a passionate and talented team and ensure staff members achieve their goals, grow personally and professionally, and report high levels of trust, cohesiveness, and engagement.

Fundraising and Development

Support the creation and execution of the development plan to increase revenue through enhanced relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, funders, and community partners.

Brand Advancement and Relationship Skills

Increase brand awareness, engagement, and collaboration through effective messaging, intentional community outreach, relationship- building, partnership collaboration, and purposeful calls to action.

Mission Delivery & Non-Profit DNA

Inspire staff, volunteers, and donors by authentically embodying the mission and ethos of the organization.

Board Engagement and Effectiveness

Recruit, retain, and engage a diverse and effective Board of Directors and Regional Council, optimally leverage their strengths to advance the mission, and provide the tools and transparency necessary for effective governance of the organization.

Financial and Operational Oversight

Ensure the organization has the proper financial oversight, internal controls, forecasting, and transparent reporting to maintain/improve the fiscal health of the Chapter.

Key Qualifications and Attributes

The Board of Directors sees the ideal candidate for the position matching as many aspects as possible in the bullets below:

Passion for and commitment to Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas 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

Application and Selection Process

Apply Interested candidates complete the online application

Upload your resume and cover letter .

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 prior to scheduling an interview with the search committee.

Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas Interview

First round interviews with Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas search committee.

Thank you for your interest in this position.

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