Application Guide

How to Apply for Community Development Manager

at Parkinson's Foundation

🏢 About Parkinson's Foundation

The Parkinson's Foundation is a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving care, advancing research, and finding a cure for Parkinson's disease. With a national reach and a strong commitment to community support, the Foundation offers employees the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of people affected by Parkinson's. Working here means joining a passionate team where fundraising directly fuels critical research and care initiatives.

About This Role

As a Community Development Manager, you will spearhead the expansion of the Parkinson's Foundation's signature fundraising walk program, Moving Day, into new markets across the country. This role is pivotal in driving revenue and building relationships with local stakeholders, event committees, and participants to ensure successful first-year events. Your efforts will directly support the Foundation's mission by growing its community presence and fundraising capacity.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with field staff to strategize market expansion, researching potential venues and vendors for an upcoming Moving Day event, and reaching out to community leaders to recruit committee members. You could also be updating event budgets, coordinating with the national walk team, and analyzing participant data to refine outreach strategies.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Parkinson's Foundation Is Looking For

  • Proven experience in fundraising, event planning, or community development, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
  • Strong self-starter with the ability to work independently in a remote environment and manage multiple projects across different time zones.
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a track record of recruiting and managing volunteers and committees.
  • Detail-oriented with experience in logistics, vendor management, and budget oversight for events.

📝 Tips for Applying to Parkinson's Foundation

1

Highlight any experience you have in launching new initiatives or events from scratch, especially in new markets.

2

Emphasize your ability to work remotely and collaborate with dispersed teams, as the role is remote and involves coordination with field staff nationwide.

3

If you are based in New Jersey, Texas, or the Rocky Mountains area, explicitly state your location in your cover letter, as the Foundation has a preference for candidates in these regions.

4

Demonstrate your understanding of the Parkinson's Foundation's mission and how fundraising events like Moving Day contribute to it.

5

Showcase your experience with CRM systems and event management software, as these are likely used for tracking participants and logistics.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for the Parkinson's Foundation's mission and how your personal or professional background aligns with it.", "Specific examples of successful fundraising events you've managed, including revenue generated and participant growth.", 'Your experience in building and maintaining relationships with community leaders, volunteers, and corporate partners.', 'Your ability to work independently and manage logistical details for events across multiple markets.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Learn about the Parkinson's Foundation's history, mission, and key programs, especially the Moving Day walk series.
  • → Research the current markets where Moving Day takes place and identify potential new markets that align with the Foundation's goals.
  • → Understand the impact of Parkinson's disease and the challenges faced by the community, to speak authentically about the cause.
  • → Explore the Foundation's recent fundraising achievements and strategic priorities to tailor your application.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building a first-year event committee in a new market for Moving Day?
2 Describe a time you successfully recruited participants or volunteers for a fundraising event. What strategies did you use?
3 What experience do you have with event logistics, such as securing permits, managing vendors, and overseeing budgets?
4 How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple events in different stages of planning?
5 Why are you interested in working for the Parkinson's Foundation specifically, and how do you see this role contributing to the fight against Parkinson's disease?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to tailor your application to the nonprofit fundraising context, instead using generic sales or corporate language.
  • Not demonstrating an understanding of the unique aspects of walk-based peer-to-peer fundraising.
  • Overlooking the remote nature of the role and not addressing how you stay motivated and organized while working from home.

📅 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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