Application Guide
How to Apply for Development Coordinator – New Jersey Pennsylvania Chapter
at Parkinson's Foundation
🏢 About Parkinson's Foundation
The Parkinson's Foundation is the largest Parkinson's disease organization in the world, uniquely combining direct care programs with cutting-edge research funding to make life better for people with PD today while advancing toward a cure. Working here means joining a passionate, mission-driven team that leverages a global community of patients, care partners, and volunteers—so your fundraising efforts directly translate into real impact.
About This Role
As Development Coordinator for the New Jersey/Pennsylvania Chapter, you'll be the driving force behind peer-to-peer fundraising events like Moving Day, a signature walk that unites thousands of participants. You'll also lead corporate development and volunteer engagement, ensuring the chapter meets its revenue goals while expanding its reach across both states. This is a hands-on, relationship-focused role where you'll recruit teams, coach fundraisers, and steward donors—all while working remotely from the Greater New Jersey area.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a check-in call with your Advancement Director, followed by outreach to a corporate sponsor or volunteer captain. You'll spend time updating event timelines, tracking fundraising progress, and coordinating logistics for an upcoming Moving Day walk. In the afternoon, you might host a virtual team meeting for participants or draft social media content to boost registration—all while keeping the mission at the forefront.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Parkinson's Foundation Is Looking For
- 2–4 years of experience in peer-to-peer fundraising, event planning, or nonprofit development, with a proven track record of hitting revenue targets.
- Self-motivated and goal-oriented, comfortable working remotely and managing multiple priorities across two states.
- Strong interpersonal skills to recruit, motivate, and support volunteers, corporate partners, and event participants.
- Familiarity with the Greater New Jersey/Pennsylvania region and a passion for Parkinson's disease advocacy or healthcare nonprofits.
📝 Tips for Applying to Parkinson's Foundation
Highlight any experience with peer-to-peer fundraising platforms (e.g., Luminate, Classy, DonorDrive) and quantify results—like 'grew team participation by 30%' or 'raised $50K in a single event.'
Mention specific knowledge of the New Jersey/Pennsylvania area, such as local corporations, community groups, or media outlets you could leverage for Moving Day.
Show you understand the Parkinson's Foundation's dual mission: improving care and advancing research. Reference a program like Moving Day or the Foundation's PD GENEration initiative in your application.
Emphasize your ability to work independently in a remote setting, including examples of how you've managed event logistics and volunteer committees without daily in-person oversight.
If you have a personal connection to Parkinson's disease, briefly share it—but keep the focus on your professional qualifications and how that connection fuels your commitment.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your direct experience with peer-to-peer fundraising events and how you've driven participation and revenue; (2) your ability to recruit and manage volunteers and corporate partners in a remote environment; (3) your connection to the New Jersey/Pennsylvania region and why you're excited to build relationships there; and (4) your alignment with the Parkinson's Foundation's mission and values, showing you've researched their impact.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore the Parkinson's Foundation website, especially the Moving Day event page, to understand the event format, fundraising tools, and participant experience.
- → Research the New Jersey/Pennsylvania Chapter's recent events, sponsors, and local impact—look for press releases, annual reports, or social media posts.
- → Learn about Parkinson's disease basics and the Foundation's key initiatives (e.g., Parkinson's Outcomes Project, PD GENEration) to speak knowledgeably about the mission.
- → Check out the Foundation's leadership team and recent news to understand organizational priorities and culture.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid generic cover letters that don't mention Moving Day or the New Jersey/Pennsylvania chapter—show you've done your homework.
- Don't focus solely on event planning without connecting it to fundraising results; this role is heavily metrics-driven.
- Avoid implying you need a fully structured office environment; the role is remote and requires self-direction and proactive communication.
📅 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!