How to apply for Specialist, Cruise Line Program

About Makeawishamerica

Make-A-Wish America is the world's largest wish-granting organization, uniting communities to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Working here means being part of a mission-driven culture that values compassion, collaboration, and the power of a wish to bring hope and joy.

About the role

This role manages the in-kind Cruise Line program, coordinating booking requests for wishes with chapter staff and the corporate partner. It's impactful because you directly enable magical cruise experiences for wish children and their families, ensuring smooth operations and strong partnerships.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing incoming cruise booking requests from chapter staff, coordinating with the cruise line partner to confirm availability, and updating internal databases. You might also have meetings with cross-functional teams, such as Corporate Alliances or Finance, to discuss program metrics or address any issues, all while ensuring a seamless experience for wish families.

Who Makeawishamerica is looking for

• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders (national staff, chapter staff, vendors, donors).
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Analytical mindset to manage program data and processes, possibly with experience in program coordination or partnership management.
• Comfortable working remotely and collaborating across teams, with a proactive and self-motivated approach.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience with in-kind donations, corporate partnerships, or program coordination, especially in a nonprofit context.
• Emphasize your ability to manage multiple booking requests and coordinate with various parties, showing your organizational skills.
• In your resume and cover letter, use specific examples of how you've built and maintained relationships with partners or clients.
• Since the role is remote, demonstrate your proficiency with remote collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams, Slack) and your ability to work independently.
• Research Make-A-Wish's mission and recent wish stories to personalize your application and show genuine interest.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Express passion for the mission of granting wishes and how your skills align with making a tangible impact on children's lives.", 'Detail your experience in managing programs or partnerships, highlighting your ability to coordinate complex logistics.', 'Mention your exceptional customer service skills and your knack for building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.', 'Showcase your attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, as required for booking coordination.']

Research before applying

• Learn about Make-A-Wish's history, mission, and the impact of wishes on children and families.
• Familiarize yourself with the structure of Make-A-Wish, including the national office and local chapters, and how they collaborate.
• Research the cruise line partners that Make-A-Wish works with (e.g., Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean) to understand the program's scope.
• Look into any recent news or initiatives from Make-A-Wish, such as the 'Wish Hour' or corporate partnership announcements.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you handle a situation where a cruise booking request conflicts with availability or partner guidelines?
• Describe your experience with in-kind donation programs or managing corporate partnerships.
• How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple wish requests from different chapters?
• Can you give an example of a time you provided exceptional customer service to a challenging stakeholder?
• How do you stay organized and communicate effectively while working remotely?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don't submit a generic cover letter; ensure it's tailored to Make-A-Wish and the specific role.
• Avoid lacking specific examples of your organizational and relationship-building skills in your resume or interview.
• Don't overlook the remote nature of the role; demonstrate your ability to work independently and communicate effectively in a virtual environment.