Application Guide
How to Apply for Community Development Manager
at Parkinson's Foundation
๐ข 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, education, and support. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that values innovation and community impact, with a supportive remote culture that empowers employees to make a difference.
About This Role
As a Community Development Manager, you'll spearhead the growth of Moving Day walks in new markets, building local committees and recruiting participants, sponsors, and volunteers to raise funds and awareness. This role is impactful because you'll directly expand the Foundation's reach and help bring critical resources to underserved communities.
๐ก A Day in the Life
Start your day by checking emails and Slack for updates from your team and stakeholders. You might spend the morning researching a potential new market, reaching out to local community leaders, or preparing a sponsor pitch. Afternoons could involve virtual meetings with committee members, reviewing event logistics (permits, vendor contracts), and tracking fundraising progress against goals, with occasional travel for in-person events.
๐ Application Tools
๐ฏ Who Parkinson's Foundation Is Looking For
- A self-starter with 3-5 years of peer-to-peer fundraising experience, ideally in a remote setting, who can independently develop market entry strategies.
- An excellent communicator who can engage diverse stakeholdersโfrom community leaders to corporate sponsorsโand inspire them to join the cause.
- A results-oriented leader with strong organizational skills, comfortable managing event logistics (permits, contracts, vendors) while tracking revenue goals.
- Someone willing to travel ~20% for events and committee meetings, and proficient in Microsoft Office for reporting and presentations.
๐ Tips for Applying to Parkinson's Foundation
Highlight specific examples of peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns you've led, including revenue growth and market expansion metrics.
Demonstrate your ability to work remotely by mentioning past remote roles or self-management strategies (e.g., using project management tools).
Tailor your resume to emphasize event logistics experience, especially vendor negotiations and permit processes.
In your cover letter, reference Parkinson's Foundation's Moving Day walks and propose a brief idea for entering a new market.
Include any volunteer or committee-building experience to show you can recruit and motivate teams.
โ๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for the Foundation's mission and understanding of Parkinson's disease impact.", 'Proven track record in peer-to-peer fundraising with quantifiable results (e.g., % increase in participants or revenue).', 'Your ability to work autonomously and manage multiple markets simultaneously.', 'Specific ideas for building community partnerships and recruiting event committees in new regions.']
Generate Cover Letter โ๐ Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- โ Familiarize yourself with the Foundation's current Moving Day walk locations and revenue trends.
- โ Review their strategic plan or annual report to understand key priorities and recent achievements.
- โ Explore their blog or news section for stories about community impact and volunteer spotlights.
- โ Look up the Foundation's use of technology for peer-to-peer fundraising (e.g., platform or tools).
๐ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
โ ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Foundation or Moving Day specifically.
- Overlooking the remote work aspectโfailing to emphasize self-discipline and communication skills.
- Focusing only on event coordination without highlighting fundraising revenue goals and results.
๐ 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!