Application Guide
How to Apply for Development Manager Midwest Chapter
at Parkinson's Foundation
🏢 About Parkinson's Foundation
The Parkinson's Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people with Parkinson's disease through innovative care and research. With a global community of supporters and a focus on patient-centered initiatives like Moving Day and Parkinson's Revolution, the foundation offers a mission-driven environment where employees can directly impact the Parkinson's community. Working here means contributing to a cause that touches millions, with a supportive and passionate team.
About This Role
As the Development Manager for the Midwest Chapter, you'll lead peer-to-peer fundraising events such as Moving Day and Parkinson's Revolution, driving revenue and community engagement. This role is critical in expanding the foundation's reach in the Midwest, cultivating corporate partnerships, and stewarding volunteers. Your efforts will directly support the foundation's mission to make life better for people with Parkinson's.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing event registration data in Raiser's Edge, followed by a call with a potential corporate sponsor. You'll then draft a participant stewardship email, attend a virtual team meeting to coordinate event logistics, and end the day by updating social media content for an upcoming Parkinson's Revolution. Evenings might involve attending a volunteer recruitment event or a planning committee meeting.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Parkinson's Foundation Is Looking For
- A self-starter with 4+ years of non-profit fundraising or event management experience, particularly with peer-to-peer events.
- Detail-oriented and goal-driven, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
- Excellent communicator and presenter, capable of engaging corporate sponsors, donors, and volunteers.
- Proficient in Raiser's Edge or similar CRM, and comfortable with Microsoft Office and social media for event promotion.
📝 Tips for Applying to Parkinson's Foundation
Tailor your resume to highlight specific peer-to-peer fundraising events you've managed, including revenue growth and participant numbers.
In your cover letter, mention your experience with corporate sponsorship cultivation and provide examples of successful partnerships.
Research the Parkinson's Foundation's current Moving Day and Parkinson's Revolution events in the Midwest to show you understand the local landscape.
Demonstrate your ability to travel by noting your willingness to work flexible hours and attend evening/weekend events.
Showcase your proficiency with Raiser's Edge by mentioning specific reporting or database management tasks you've handled.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Emphasize your passion for the Parkinson's cause and your understanding of the foundation's mission.", "Highlight specific examples of successful peer-to-peer events you've led, including revenue and participant growth.", 'Detail your experience in corporate sponsorship development and volunteer management.', 'Mention your comfort with remote work and travel, and your ability to work independently while staying connected to a team.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Familiarize yourself with the Parkinson's Foundation's strategic priorities, especially around community engagement and research funding.
- → Read about the history and impact of Moving Day and Parkinson's Revolution events, including recent success stories.
- → Look into the Midwest Chapter's current corporate partners and volunteers to identify potential gaps or opportunities.
- → Understand the competitive landscape: other Parkinson's organizations and their fundraising events in the region.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without mentioning the Parkinson's Foundation or its specific events.
- Overlooking the travel requirement – be upfront about your willingness to travel up to 30% within the Midwest.
- Failing to show proficiency with database management (Raiser's Edge) – if you lack experience, take a tutorial before applying.
📅 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!