Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Manager, TNKY Chapter

at Parkinson's Foundation

🏢 About Parkinson's Foundation

The Parkinson's Foundation uniquely focuses on both improving care for people with Parkinson's disease and advancing research toward a cure, creating tangible impact through community-driven initiatives. Working here means joining a passionate global community dedicated to making life better for those affected by Parkinson's, with a mission that combines scientific rigor with compassionate support.

About This Role

As Development Manager for the TNKY Chapter, you'll lead fundraising events like Moving Day Nashville, Lexington, and Knoxville, directly driving revenue to support Parkinson's research and care programs. This role combines event execution with volunteer management and community partnership development, making you a key player in expanding the Foundation's reach across Tennessee and Kentucky.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning check-ins with the TNKY Chapter team to coordinate event planning, followed by outreach to potential sponsors or volunteers for upcoming Moving Day events. You'd likely spend afternoons managing event logistics across Nashville, Lexington, and Knoxville while updating databases with participant information and tracking progress toward revenue goals.

🎯 Who Parkinson's Foundation Is Looking For

  • Has 2+ years of hands-on fundraising or event experience, preferably in a non-profit setting like health advocacy or community organizations
  • Demonstrates proven ability to recruit and manage high-level volunteers and committee members for chapter engagement
  • Is a self-motivated, goal-oriented team player who can work remotely while collaborating effectively with the TNKY Chapter team
  • Possesses exceptional verbal communication skills for motivating event participants and sponsors, combined with strong data management proficiency in Microsoft Office and databases

📝 Tips for Applying to Parkinson's Foundation

1

Highlight specific experience with multi-city event coordination, especially if you've managed similar fundraising events across different locations

2

Quantify your past fundraising achievements (e.g., 'increased event revenue by X%' or 'recruited X volunteers') to demonstrate goal-oriented results

3

Mention any familiarity with Parkinson's disease communities or health-related non-profits to show mission alignment

4

Emphasize your ability to work remotely while maintaining strong team collaboration, as this is a remote position within the US

5

Include examples of managing both event logistics and volunteer committees simultaneously, as both are core responsibilities

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with fundraising events and revenue generation, specifically citing examples relevant to non-profit settings', "How you've successfully recruited and managed volunteers or committees in past roles", 'Your ability to work independently while partnering with a chapter team to achieve shared goals', "Why the Parkinson's Foundation's dual focus on care and research resonates with you personally or professionally"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • The Parkinson's Foundation's specific programs in Tennessee and Kentucky (check their website for chapter activities)
  • Details about Moving Day events - watch videos or read recaps of past events to understand their format and impact
  • The Foundation's recent research initiatives and care improvement programs to speak knowledgeably about their work
  • Parkinson's disease statistics in the TNKY region to understand the local community needs
Visit Parkinson's Foundation's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience managing multiple events simultaneously across different cities or regions
2 How would you approach recruiting and retaining high-level volunteers for Moving Day events?
3 Share a specific example of how you've worked with sponsors or community partners to maximize event participation
4 How do you balance data management (spreadsheets, databases) with interpersonal communication in your work?
5 What strategies would you use to engage the Parkinson's community in Tennessee and Kentucky specifically?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't address the specific TNKY Chapter focus or Moving Day events
  • Failing to provide concrete examples of fundraising or event management experience (the 2-year minimum is required)
  • Not demonstrating understanding of how remote work requires self-motivation and reliable communication in a team environment

📅 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!