Application Guide

How to Apply for Advocacy Program Coordinator

at Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)

🏢 About Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)

FARA is unique as a patient advocacy organization specifically focused on Friedreich's ataxia, a rare neurodegenerative disease. Working here means directly contributing to accelerating research for treatments while collaborating closely with the FA community, offering a meaningful opportunity to make tangible impact in the rare disease space.

About This Role

This Advocacy Program Coordinator role involves executing advocacy initiatives that support FARA's mission, including planning participation in key events like United Against Ataxia Hill Day and Rare Disease Week. You'll develop relationships with elected officials to advance research initiatives while managing FARA's advocacy contact database and facilitating community outreach.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve updating the advocacy contact database with new FA community members, preparing materials for an upcoming meeting with congressional staffers about research funding, and coordinating with the Director of Advocacy on logistics for Rare Disease Week. You could also be drafting communications to engage community advocates and analyzing legislative developments affecting rare disease research.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) Is Looking For

  • Has a bachelor's degree with demonstrated understanding of political/legislative processes, possibly through coursework, internships, or previous advocacy work
  • Is proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel for database management) and Adobe Acrobat for creating advocacy materials
  • Possesses exceptional written communication skills for crafting persuasive advocacy materials and verbal skills for engaging with officials and community members
  • Can balance independent work on database management with collaborative efforts involving the FA community, FARA team, and diverse stakeholders

📝 Tips for Applying to Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)

1

Highlight specific experience with legislative advocacy or government relations, especially if related to healthcare or rare disease policy

2

Demonstrate familiarity with FARA's existing advocacy programs by mentioning United Against Ataxia Hill Day or Rare Disease Week in your application

3

Showcase database management experience, particularly with advocacy or constituent relationship management systems

4

Include examples of working with patient communities or rare disease organizations in your resume

5

Reference FARA's specific mission to accelerate FA research in your materials to show genuine understanding of their work

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your understanding of the legislative process and how it relates to advancing rare disease research', 'Specific experience with advocacy program coordination or event planning, particularly for healthcare causes', 'Ability to manage databases while maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders (officials, patients, team members)', "Passion for FARA's specific mission and the FA community, not just general nonprofit work"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → FARA's current advocacy initiatives and recent policy achievements
  • → Friedreich's ataxia symptoms, progression, and current treatment landscape
  • → Key legislation affecting rare disease research (like the Orphan Drug Act or recent FDA initiatives)
  • → FARA's participation in previous United Against Ataxia Hill Days or Rare Disease Week events
Visit Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)'s Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with legislative advocacy and how you've built relationships with elected officials
2 How would you approach growing FARA's advocacy contact database and engaging the FA community?
3 What strategies would you use to coordinate FARA's participation in United Against Ataxia Hill Day?
4 How do you balance working independently on database management with collaborative team projects?
5 What do you know about Friedreich's ataxia and FARA's current research advocacy priorities?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic advocacy experience without connection to healthcare or research policy
  • No demonstrated understanding of legislative processes or government relations
  • Failing to mention FARA's specific mission or the FA community in application materials

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)!

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