Application Guide

How to Apply for Community Development Manager

at Parkinson's Foundation

๐Ÿข 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.

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

๐ŸŽฏ 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 stakeholdersโ€”from community leaders to corporate sponsorsโ€”and 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.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Parkinson's Foundation

1

Highlight specific examples of peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns you've led, including revenue growth and market expansion metrics.

2

Demonstrate your ability to work remotely by mentioning past remote roles or self-management strategies (e.g., using project management tools).

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize event logistics experience, especially vendor negotiations and permit processes.

4

In your cover letter, reference Parkinson's Foundation's Moving Day walks and propose a brief idea for entering a new market.

5

Include any volunteer or committee-building experience to show you can recruit and motivate teams.

โœ‰๏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 โ†’

๐Ÿ” 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).
Visit Parkinson's Foundation's Website โ†’

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would research and select a new market for a Moving Day walk.
2 Describe a time you recruited a high-profile community leader or sponsor. What was your approach?
3 How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple events across different markets?
4 Tell me about a fundraising event where you managed logistics (permits, vendors). What challenges did you face?
5 How do you stay motivated and productive in a remote work environment?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Foundation or Moving Day specifically.
  • Overlooking the remote work aspectโ€”failing to emphasize self-discipline and communication skills.
  • Focusing only on event coordination without highlighting fundraising revenue goals and results.

๐Ÿ“… 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

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Parkinson's Foundation!