Marketing & Communications Manager, Make-A-Wish Central New York

Marketing & Communications Manager
Make-A-Wish Central New York
East Syracuse, NY
Salary: $62,353 - $70,000

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Marketing & Communications Manager leads the development and execution of a
comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that advances the organization’s mission,
strengthens brand visibility, and deepens engagement across our 15-county region. This role
oversees Make-A-Wish Central New York’s public-facing identity, ensuring all communications
align with National Brand Standards while inspiring donors, partners, families, and the community.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Brand Strategy & Management
  • Serve as brand steward for the chapter, ensuring compliance with National Brand Standards and consistent visual and messaging style
  • Develop and implement integrated marketing and communications plans that support organizational goals, fundraising initiatives, and mission awareness
  • Manage production of the Annual Impact Report and other key organizational publications
Media & Public Relations
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with regional media outlets; identify and pursue earned media opportunities
  • Write and distribute press releases, coordinate media coverage, and organize press events when appropriate
  • Monitor media presence across print, broadcast, digital, and social platforms
Content Development & Storytelling
  • Produce compelling mission-driven stories in written, photo, and video formats for use across platforms including national program opportunities to highlight our wish stories
  • Interview wish families, alumni, donors, and volunteers while maintaining sensitivity, confidentiality, and proper authorizations
  • Write and edit stories and messaging for newsletters, donor communications, grant materials, solicitations, and publications
  • Develop ongoing storytelling initiatives (e.g., Wish Wednesdays, Where Are They Now)
Digital & Social Media
  • Oversee content strategy and day-to-day management of the chapter website (cny.wish.org)
  • Manage and grow social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), including content creation, scheduling, and performance monitoring
  • Design and distribute e-newsletters and digital communications
Marketing Collateral & Campaign Support
  • Create and update marketing materials, advertisements, event invitations, and campaign collateral
  • Partner with Development and Events staff to support annual appeals, stewardship collateral, and fundraising programs (including Student Wishmakers, Cause Marketing, etc.) and special events
  • Maintain inventory of marketing materials and digital asset libraries
Collaboration & Organizational Support
  • Participate in strategic planning and cross-department brainstorming
  • Provide communications support for grants, donor engagement, and organizational initiatives
  • Assist with updates to affiliated websites and shared platforms as needed
  • Support additional communications and marketing opportunities as they arise
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Experience & Background
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 3–5+ years of experience in public relations, communications, or marketing, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven environment
  • Demonstrated success securing media coverage and managing multi-channel communications strategies
  • Exceptional writing, editing, graphic design, and storytelling skills across multiple formats and audiences
  • Strong visual and digital communication sensibility, including basic photography and video content capture
  • Experience managing social media platforms and websites using content management systems
  • Ability to translate mission-driven work into compelling public-facing narratives
  • Familiarity with email marketing platforms, social media scheduling/analytics tools, and website CMS platforms
  • Computer proficiency including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Working knowledge of graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar)
  • Comfort using data and analytics to evaluate communications performance
Professional Attributes
  • Commitment to be guided in all work by the vision of diversity, equity and inclusion that has been established by our staff and board.
  • Deep appreciation for brand consistency and attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with strong organizational skills
  • High level of discretion and sensitivity when working with wish families and confidential stories
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work and manage multiple priorities simultaneously 
  • Collaborative team player who thrives in a small, mission-driven environment
  • Some travel to our existing 15 county region may be required at times.
 
COMPENSATION
Compensation includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience and a
comprehensive package of employee and health benefits. Salary range is $62,353 - $70,000K DOE.
TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@cny.wish.org with job title in the subject
line. No calls or office visits, please. Applications will be accepted until a qualified
candidate is identified. NOTE: Only complete applications and those with required skills
and experience will be considered.
 
Make-A-Wish ® Central New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer and
encourages applications from all qualified individuals.