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 uniquely focused on improving care and advancing research toward a cure for Parkinson’s disease, driven by a passionate global community. Working here means directly impacting the lives of millions through innovative programs and events that foster hope and connection.

About This Role

As a Development Coordinator, you will lead flagship peer-to-peer fundraising events like Moving Day and Parkinson’s Revolution, driving participation and revenue across the New Jersey Pennsylvania Chapter. This role is pivotal in expanding the Foundation’s reach and ensuring resources to support critical research and patient care.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with checking emails and updating the CRM with new donor contacts, followed by a virtual meeting with a corporate sponsor to discuss partnership opportunities. Afternoon tasks could include coordinating logistics for an upcoming Moving Day walk, recruiting volunteers via social media, and preparing a budget report for the chapter director.

🎯 Who Parkinson's Foundation Is Looking For

  • A self-starter with 2+ years of nonprofit fundraising or event planning experience, comfortable managing multiple priorities independently.
  • Detail-oriented and goal-focused, with a track record of meeting revenue targets and recruiting event participants/sponsors.
  • Strong communicator who can build relationships with volunteers, sponsors, and corporate partners, and represent the Foundation at community events.
  • Tech-savvy with proficiency in Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM, Microsoft Office, and social media; willing to travel 20-25% within the region.

📝 Tips for Applying to Parkinson's Foundation

1

Highlight specific examples of peer-to-peer fundraising events you’ve led or supported, including participant recruitment and revenue growth.

2

Tailor your resume to emphasize Raiser’s Edge experience—mention it explicitly in your skills section.

3

In your cover letter, mention familiarity with Parkinson’s disease or a personal connection to the cause to show genuine passion.

4

Demonstrate your ability to work remotely by citing examples of self-motivation and time management in past roles.

5

Include any experience with corporate sponsorship solicitation or stewardship, as this is a key responsibility.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for the Parkinson’s Foundation’s mission and understanding of the impact of events like Moving Day.', 'Proven success in recruiting event participants and securing sponsorships, with concrete numbers if possible.', 'Your ability to manage logistics, vendors, and budgets while maintaining a donor-centric approach.', 'Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support events.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review the Parkinson’s Foundation’s strategic plan and recent annual report to understand key priorities and impact metrics.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Moving Day and Parkinson’s Revolution events—their history, format, and fundraising goals.
  • Look into the New Jersey Pennsylvania Chapter’s recent successes and community partners to tailor your application.
  • Understand the Parkinson’s community’s current challenges and how the Foundation’s programs address them.
Visit Parkinson's Foundation's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you managed a peer-to-peer fundraising event from start to finish—what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
2 How would you approach recruiting new participants for Moving Day in a competitive nonprofit landscape?
3 Tell us about your experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM—how have you used data to track donor engagement?
4 How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple events simultaneously, especially with remote work?
5 Why do you want to work for the Parkinson’s Foundation specifically, and what do you know about our current initiatives?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn’t reference the Foundation’s specific events or mission.
  • Overlooking the travel requirement—failing to acknowledge willingness to travel 20-25% and work weekends.
  • Not emphasizing fundraising results or metrics; vague descriptions of event planning without quantifiable outcomes.

📅 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!