Application Guide
How to Apply for Advancement Director, Tennessee and Kentucky Chapter
at Parkinson's Foundation
🏢 About Parkinson's Foundation
The Parkinson's Foundation is a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people with Parkinson's disease through research, care, and community support. Working here means joining a passionate team that directly impacts patients and families, with a strong emphasis on mission-driven results and collaboration. The Tennessee and Kentucky Chapter specifically extends services across two states, offering a unique opportunity to build and grow a regional community.
About This Role
As Advancement Director for the Tennessee and Kentucky Chapter, you will lead fundraising and mission delivery efforts, including events, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and volunteer development. You will also manage the chapter budget and long-term strategy, working remotely within Tennessee (preferably Nashville or Knoxville) to cultivate community partnerships and drive revenue growth. This role is impactful because it directly fuels the Foundation's ability to provide care and advance research for Parkinson's disease.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve meeting with a corporate sponsor to secure a partnership, planning an upcoming fundraising event with volunteers, and reviewing budget reports. You might also spend time on the phone with a board member, drafting a donor appeal, or collaborating with the regional team on strategy. The role is remote but requires regular travel within Tennessee and Kentucky to build relationships and attend events.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Parkinson's Foundation Is Looking For
- Proven fundraising experience in nonprofit settings, with a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets through events, corporate sponsorships, and individual giving.
- Strong leadership and volunteer management skills, capable of developing boards, ambassadors, and community partners across a two-state region.
- Strategic thinker with budget management experience and the ability to create and execute long-term revenue plans.
- Excellent communicator and relationship-builder, comfortable working remotely and collaborating with a regional team to meet shared goals.
📝 Tips for Applying to Parkinson's Foundation
Highlight specific fundraising achievements (e.g., dollar amounts raised, events managed, corporate partnerships secured) in your resume and cover letter to demonstrate your ability to meet revenue metrics.
Emphasize any experience working in Tennessee or Kentucky, or with Parkinson's disease or related health nonprofits, to show local knowledge and mission alignment.
Tailor your application to show you understand the dual-state chapter model and can manage remote work effectively while traveling within the region as needed.
Connect your past work to the Foundation's mission by mentioning how you've engaged volunteers, board members, or community partners to advance a cause.
Use keywords from the job description, such as 'revenue development,' 'mission delivery,' 'board development,' and 'community partnerships,' to pass applicant tracking systems and show fit.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your proven ability to develop and execute fundraising strategies that meet or exceed revenue targets, with concrete examples.', "Your experience in volunteer and board development, and how you've cultivated community partnerships to grow awareness and support.", "Your connection to the Parkinson's Foundation's mission and why you're motivated to serve the Tennessee and Kentucky community specifically.", 'Your capacity to work remotely and collaboratively with a regional team, including your familiarity with the Tennessee/Kentucky philanthropic landscape.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Learn about the Parkinson's Foundation's national programs, recent research breakthroughs, and the specific services offered in Tennessee and Kentucky.
- → Research the Tennessee and Kentucky philanthropic landscape, including major donors, corporations, and community events related to health nonprofits.
- → Understand the structure of the Southeast region and how the TNKY Chapter fits into the Foundation's overall goals.
- → Look up recent Parkinson's Foundation events in the region (e.g., Moving Day, Optimism Walk) to speak knowledgeably about existing initiatives.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on general nonprofit experience without highlighting specific fundraising numbers or achievements.
- Ignoring the dual-state aspect of the role; failing to show willingness or ability to travel and engage across Tennessee and Kentucky.
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Parkinson's Foundation, the TNKY Chapter, or the specific responsibilities of this role.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Parkinson's Foundation!