Manager of Project Wishes

Manager of Project Wishes

Type

Full-time | Exempt

Location

Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area 1221 Broadway Suite 800, Oakland, CA, 94612

Summary

Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area is seeking a Manager of Project Wishes to join our chapter as part of the Mission Delivery team. Reporting to the VP of Mission Delivery, the Manager of Project Wishes leads some of the most creative and transformative wishes we grant, from dream bedrooms and backyard play spaces to customized vehicles and one-of-a-kind experiences. You'll bring together families, staff, volunteers, donors, contractors, and community partners to turn children’s heartfelt wishes into reality.

This full-time, exempt position is currently required to work in our Oakland office at least two days a week on Tuesday or Wednesday as part of our hybrid work model, and on other days as needed to support business operations.

Compensation: $74,000-$78,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Make-A-Wish® Greater Bay Area is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that fulfills the wishes of children between the ages of 2-1/2 and 18 who have critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area was founded in 1984 and has fulfilled the wishes of more than 10,000 children in its 42-year history. The Greater Bay Area chapter is headquartered in Oakland and serves 17 Northern California counties, from Monterey County to the Oregon border.

Responsibilities

As the Manager of Project Wishes, you will plan wishes, manage independent projects, and supervise staff, office volunteers, and volunteer wish granters. This role is ideal for someone who loves managing complex projects, building partnerships, solving logistical challenges, and bringing creative visions to life.

Responsibilities include

• Manage a portfolio of up to 50 wishes at a time, coordinating all aspects of wish delivery from planning through completion and closeout. Primary focus includes project-based wishes such as construction projects, backyard makeovers, playsets, car makeovers, room redecorations, and other complex wishes.
• Partner with wish children and families to create personalized, child-centered wish experiences, while setting and managing expectations in accordance with our policies and guidelines.
• Serve as the primary liaison among wish families, volunteers, medical professionals, donors, vendors, and community partners, ensuring clear communication and effective coordination throughout the wish journey.
• Supervise, coach, and develop team members and volunteers to ensure high-quality wish delivery and a positive team culture.
• Assist the VP of Mission Delivery in developing department strategy goals, and priorities that support effective and equitable delivery of high-quality wish experiences.
• Partner with colleagues across the organization to maximize wish impact, elevate mission storytelling, and support chapter-wide goals.
• Manage wish costs and solicit in-kind resources to maximize wish impact while ensuring responsible stewardship of chapter funds and donor contributions.
• Lead special projects and pilot programs to expand the reach and effectiveness of wish delivery.
• Share in the rotation of On-Call duties with other members of the Mission Delivery team, including some weekends and evenings.
• Represent Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area at community events and speaking engagements as needed.

The duties and responsibilities listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This role primarily operates in an office environment and requires extended periods of computer-based work. Occasional movement within the office is required.
• Occasional travel throughout the chapter’s 17-county service area may be required for site visits, follow-up wish visits, meetings, events, trainings, and community engagement activities.

Education & Experience

• 3+ years of project management or related experience, including team leadership, volunteer leadership, or people management experience.
• BA or equivalent experience required.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple complex projects simultaneously from planning through completion.
• Experience building and managing relationships with vendors, contractors, community partners, volunteers, and other external stakeholders preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and other business applications; experience with Salesforce or similar CRM systems preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with a professional and client-focused approach.
• Ability to navigate complex family dynamics, circumstances, and emotions with empathy and professionalism.
• Comfort working collaboratively across teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing needs.
• Understanding of and ability to demonstrate cultural and socioeconomic humility.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement.
• Valid California driver’s license and access to a vehicle for occasional travel.

Chapter Benefits

• Competitive paid time off and holiday schedule
• Medical, dental, and vision benefit offerings; coverage available on the first day of employment
• Employer-paid term life insurance and AD&D for employee coverage only
• Additional optional employee-paid voluntary life and AD&D and voluntary critical illness insurance
• Optional employee-paid commuter benefits
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan with up to a 4% employer match; participation can begin on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Remote work capabilities, with office space and resources available throughout each week.
• Employee Assistance Program

How to Apply

To be considered, applicants must submit a resume and cover letter when applying through the job posting site or email a resume and cover letter to jobs@sf.wish.org with the subject line “Manager of Project Wishes.” No phone calls, please. We will contact candidates directly if selected for next steps.

Other Info

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. Make-A-Wish is committed to providing reasonable accommodation, as required by law.