Application Guide

How to Apply for Associate Director, IT Security and Applications

at Parkinson's Foundation

🏢 About Parkinson's Foundation

The Parkinson's Foundation is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people with Parkinson's disease through care and research. Working here means contributing to a cause that directly impacts millions, with a collaborative culture focused on innovation and empathy. The remote-first approach offers flexibility while being part of a team that values making a difference.

About This Role

This role combines IT security leadership with application lifecycle management, ensuring the Foundation's digital infrastructure is secure and efficient. You'll oversee software from planning to decommissioning while driving cybersecurity strategy, incident response, and compliance with standards like NIST and SOC 2. Your work directly protects sensitive health data and supports the mission to advance Parkinson's research and care.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing security alerts and checking the health of cloud applications in M365/Azure. You could then lead a meeting to discuss a new application's security requirements, followed by updating incident response procedures. Afternoons might involve collaborating with the research team on a data-sharing project or conducting a tabletop exercise with the IT team.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Parkinson's Foundation Is Looking For

  • Has 5-7 years of experience in application management and IT security, with a strong background in cloud environments (M365, Azure, Intune, Defender).
  • Holds relevant certifications (CISSP, CISM, CEH, CISA, or CompTIA Security+) and can demonstrate practical knowledge of NIST, CIS, ISO 27001, and SOC 2.
  • Thrives in a mission-driven environment, balancing technical rigor with empathy and clear communication to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Is proactive in threat detection and incident response, with experience leading forensic investigations and developing security policies.

📝 Tips for Applying to Parkinson's Foundation

1

Highlight any experience in nonprofit or healthcare IT, especially with HIPAA or other healthcare regulations, as the Foundation handles sensitive patient data.

2

Tailor your resume to show specific examples of application lifecycle management (planning through decommissioning) and security policy enforcement.

3

Quantify achievements in previous roles, e.g., 'Reduced incident response time by 30%' or 'Managed migration of 50+ applications to Azure.'

4

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your skills to the Foundation's mission—show how your security expertise enables better care and research.

5

Research the Foundation's current technology stack (e.g., Microsoft ecosystem) and mention familiarity with their tools in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your passion for the mission: improving lives of people with Parkinson's disease through secure and reliable technology.", "Detail your experience with cloud security in M365/Azure and how you've implemented NIST or SOC 2 frameworks in past roles.", "Showcase leadership in incident response and how you've minimized risk while maintaining operational continuity.", 'Mention your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., research, clinical) to align security with organizational goals.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read the Parkinson's Foundation's annual report and strategic plan to understand their current IT and security priorities.
  • → Review their website and recent press releases for any technology initiatives or partnerships (e.g., with research institutions).
  • → Familiarize yourself with the Foundation's use of Microsoft 365 and Azure—look for job postings or case studies that mention their tech stack.
  • → Understand the unique challenges of cybersecurity in healthcare nonprofits, such as balancing budget constraints with regulatory compliance.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach developing a cybersecurity policy for a nonprofit with limited resources but high data sensitivity?
2 Describe your experience with application lifecycle management—give an example of a successful decommissioning or migration.
3 Walk us through your incident response process, including how you'd handle a breach involving patient data.
4 How do you stay updated on evolving threats and ensure compliance with frameworks like NIST or SOC 2?
5 Tell us about a time you had to communicate a security risk to non-technical leadership and how you gained buy-in.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't oversell technical skills without connecting them to the mission—demonstrate understanding of the nonprofit context.
  • Avoid being vague about certifications or compliance frameworks; be ready to discuss specific standards (NIST, SOC 2) in depth.
  • Don't neglect to show soft skills like communication and empathy—this role requires interacting with diverse stakeholders.

📅 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 Parkinson's Foundation!

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