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 life for people with Parkinson's disease through research, care, and community support. With a global reach and a focus on patient-centered solutions, it offers a mission-driven culture where your work directly impacts millions affected by Parkinson's. Joining means being part of a collaborative team committed to advancing toward a cure.
About This Role
As the Advancement Director for the Tennessee and Kentucky Chapter, you will drive revenue growth and mission impact across two states, managing fundraising events, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and board development. This role is pivotal in expanding the Foundation's footprint in the region and ensuring sustainable funding for critical programs and research.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with your team, followed by reviewing fundraising progress against budget and planning a upcoming gala. You could spend the afternoon meeting with a corporate partner via video call, then drafting a stewardship plan for a major donor. Evenings might involve attending a virtual board committee meeting or networking event.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Parkinson's Foundation Is Looking For
- A seasoned fundraiser with 6+ years of experience, ideally in healthcare or nonprofit, with a proven track record in special events, corporate/foundation giving, and donor cultivation.
- A strategic thinker who can develop and manage budgets, create long-term revenue strategies, and lead a chapter toward ambitious goals.
- A skilled relationship-builder who excels at engaging volunteers, board members, and community partners to foster growth and awareness.
- An excellent communicator and team player, comfortable working remotely and collaborating with national and local stakeholders.
📝 Tips for Applying to Parkinson's Foundation
Tailor your resume to highlight specific fundraising achievements in events, corporate partnerships, and individual giving, with dollar amounts and growth percentages.
In your cover letter, mention any experience with healthcare nonprofits or Parkinson's disease to show alignment with the mission.
Research the Foundation's current strategic plan and chapter initiatives, and reference how your skills can advance those goals.
Prepare a one-page summary of a sample fundraising plan for the TN/KY region, demonstrating strategic thinking and local knowledge.
Highlight remote work experience and your ability to manage a team and build relationships virtually.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for the Parkinson's Foundation's mission and understanding of the impact of Parkinson's disease.", "Specific examples of successful fundraising events, corporate partnerships, and donor cultivation you've led.", 'Your experience in strategic planning and budget management, with quantifiable results.', 'Your ability to build and lead a board, engage volunteers, and expand community partnerships in a multi-state region.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the Parkinson's Foundation's latest annual report and strategic plan to understand current priorities and impact metrics.
- → Familiarize yourself with the TN/KY chapter's recent events, campaigns, and key partners to identify opportunities.
- → Learn about the Foundation's research initiatives and care programs to speak knowledgeably about mission delivery.
- → Check the Foundation's social media and news for recent announcements or challenges in the region.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Foundation's mission or the specific chapter role.
- Failing to provide concrete examples of fundraising results; vague claims without numbers are a red flag.
- Overlooking the remote work aspect; not addressing how you'll manage a team and build relationships virtually.
📅 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!