Wish Coordinator
Department: Wish Team
Status: Full-time, Exempt (with benefits)
Location: Southfield, MI
About Make-A-Wish Michigan
At Make-A-Wish Michigan, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, wishes that bring hope, strength, and joy when families need it most. Founded in 1984, our work is driven by compassion, creativity, and the belief that a single wish can be a powerful turning point.
Together with our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners, we are united by one purpose: to make the impossible possible, one wish at a time. We are committed to a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and every team member feels respected, supported, and connected to our mission.
The Opportunity
The Wish Coordinator manages a caseload of wishes each year, guiding children and families through every stage of the wish process. You will serve as a trusted point of contact, manage complex details, and ensure each wish is thoughtfully planned, documented, and delivered with compassion and excitement. Working with healthcare professionals, volunteers, donors, vendors, and community partners, you will coordinate the people, services, logistics, and resources that bring a child's wish to life. This role is ideal for someone who is deeply mission-driven, highly organized, and energized by meaningful work that directly impacts families.
Compassion, coordination, and joy in every detail. This is an opportunity to serve as a trusted guide for children and families from the first wish conversation through the moment a wish comes true. You will bring empathy, organization, creativity, and disciplined follow-through together to create an experience that is safe, timely, personal, and unforgettable.
What You Will Make Possible
Wish Family Guidance & Case Management-
Manage, plan, and execute a caseload of approximately 60-80 wishes annually from initial engagement through completion and closure.
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Serve as a consistent, compassionate point of contact for wish children and families, setting clear expectations and providing timely updates throughout the journey.
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Use reflective listening, sound judgment, and crisis-informed communication when supporting families navigating sensitive or high-stress circumstances.
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Build trusted relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality, and respect for each family's unique needs.
Wish Planning & Execution
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Coordinate all aspects of each wish, including transportation, accommodations, services, medical considerations, volunteers, vendors, itineraries, and special experiences.
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Develop detailed plans that balance the child's vision with safety, timing, budget, national standards, and liability requirements.
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Anticipate challenges, troubleshoot changing circumstances, and identify creative solutions that protect the quality and integrity of the wish experience.
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Secure and steward in-kind donations when appropriate to maximize impact and responsibly manage organizational resources.
Documentation, Compliance & Stewardship
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Complete and maintain accurate, timely wish documentation and case records in Salesforce.
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Track milestones, approvals, expenses, deadlines, and required forms to ensure wishes move forward safely and efficiently.
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Ensure each wish complies with Make-A-Wish America standards, organizational procedures, confidentiality expectations, and liability requirements.
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Manage individual wish budgets responsibly and communicate proactively when needs, timing, or costs change.
Collaboration & Community Engagement
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Collaborate with healthcare providers, volunteers, donors, in-kind partners, vendors, and internal teams to create coordinated and meaningful wish experiences.
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Represent Make-A-Wish Michigan at events and serve as a liaison and source of support for wish families in attendance.
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Contribute to special projects, process improvements, and team initiatives that strengthen the experience of wish families
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Build positive relationships with diverse constituents and communicate in a professional, responsive, and mission-centered manner.
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The responsibilities above describe the essential functions of the role and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties.
What You Bring
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree; Social Work, Human Services, or a related field is preferred.
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Strong commitment to the mission and values of Make-A-Wish Michigan.
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Exceptional customer service skills and a compassionate, empathetic approach to working with children and families.
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Highly professional demeanor and the ability to work effectively with families, donors, vendors, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and colleagues.
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Excellent organization, time management, and follow-through, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
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Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to learn and consistently use Salesforce and other organizational systems.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate integrity at all times.
Preferred Qualifications
These qualifications would enhance success in the role but are not required. Candidates who meet most of the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.
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Case management experience, particularly in social work, healthcare, human services, or a mission-driven nonprofit.
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Experience working with children or families during crisis, illness, transition, or other high-stress circumstances.
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Experience coordinating volunteers, engaging donors, securing in-kind support, or building community partnerships.
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Experience using Salesforce or another CRM, case management system, or database.
Core Competencies
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Compassionate service
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Case management and organization
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Reflective listening
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Collaboration and relationship building
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Problem solving and adaptability
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Budget stewardship
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Communication
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Confidentiality and integrity
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Mission focus
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This role primarily operates in a professional office environment and requires regular use of computers, phones, and office equipment. The position may require:
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Extended periods of sitting or computer use.
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Occasional lifting of materials up to 20 pounds.
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Occasional travel to events, partner locations, or wish-related activities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Benefits
Make-A-Wish Michigan offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the wellbeing of employees and their families. Benefits may include:
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
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Retirement savings plan.
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Paid time off and holidays.
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Employee assistance programs.
Benefit offerings are subject to change and eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Make-A-Wish Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Accommodation Statement
Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact the Human Resources department.
Disclaimer
This posting is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
