About Make-A-Wish Illinois
For 40 years, Make-A-Wish Illinois (MAWI) has transformed the lives of children with critical illnesses by granting life-changing wishes that bring hope, joy, and healing. A proud chapter of Make-A-Wish America, MAWI is part of the largest wish-granting organization in the world. Since its founding in 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 585,000 wishes globally through 57 U.S. chapters and 40 international affiliates operating across six continents. Every 33 minutes, somewhere in the United States, a child’s wish is granted.
A thriving chapter within the network, MAWI serves children across Illinois with creativity, compassion, and impact. Since its inception, the chapter has granted more than 18,000 wishes, offering joy and hope to children and families. In fiscal year 2025 alone, MAWI will grant 705 wishes, with the bold goal of ultimately reaching 1,000 wishes annually—ensuring every eligible child in Illinois experiences the magic of a wish.
The Chief Executive Officer Opportunity
In early 2026, Make-A-Wish Illinois will welcome its next leader. This is a rare opportunity to guide this key chapter in the Make-A-Wish network into its next era of growth, innovation, and impact.
With a talented and dedicated staff, an expansive volunteer base, and a highly engaged Board of Directors, MAWI is well-positioned to achieve its bold vision of granting the wish of every eligible child in Illinois. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will oversee an annual budget of more than $10M, lead a team of 55 staff and 1,000+ volunteers, and guide the organization toward achieving its ambitious growth plan.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be:
- Mission-driven & equity-focused, bringing a deep passion for MAWI’s mission. They will be a leader with integrity, and champion equity, inclusion, and belonging for communities across Illinois.
- A dynamic ambassador & fundraiser, thriving in public-facing roles, inspiring others with presence and communication skills while securing transformational gifts and partnerships to grow MAWI’s impact.
- An inspiring team leader & change agent, leading with empathy and authenticity, guiding teams through change, fostering innovation, and nurturing a diverse, collaborative, and high-performing culture.
- Strategic, bold, & relationship-oriented, thinking big picture, taking smart risks, and balancing vision with practical execution while building strong, lasting relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
Location: The successful candidate must be based in or willing to relocate to Chicago, Illinois.
Compensation: The salary range for this role is $250,000 - $320,000 plus bonus. MAWI values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being.