Application Guide

How to Apply for Manager, Fundraising Events

at Parkinson's Foundation

🏢 About Parkinson's Foundation

The Parkinson's Foundation is a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with Parkinson's disease through research, care, and education. Working here offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on a growing community, with a collaborative culture that values innovation and results.

About This Role

As the Manager of Fundraising Events, you will lead the Moving Day walk program, a key peer-to-peer fundraising initiative that drives revenue and community engagement nationwide. You'll develop strategies, train chapters, and innovate to grow the program's impact, directly supporting the Foundation's mission to find a cure.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might begin with a virtual check-in with chapter staff to review Moving Day progress, followed by analyzing fundraising data to identify trends. Afternoon could involve creating training materials for volunteer recruitment or meeting with potential national sponsors, ending with a strategy session to plan next year's event enhancements.

🎯 Who Parkinson's Foundation Is Looking For

  • 5+ years of peer-to-peer fundraising experience, ideally with walk or endurance events, and a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets.
  • Strong consultative skills to influence and guide chapters, volunteers, and sponsors without direct authority.
  • Exceptional project management abilities, with experience creating timelines, standards, and training materials for a national program.
  • Innovative mindset to develop new fundraising strategies and adapt to changing donor behaviors.

📝 Tips for Applying to Parkinson's Foundation

1

Quantify your achievements in past peer-to-peer events (e.g., 'grew revenue by 20% year-over-year' or 'recruited 500+ walkers').

2

Highlight experience with volunteer management and sponsor cultivation, as these are core to the Moving Day program.

3

Showcase your ability to work remotely and collaborate across time zones, as this role supports chapters nationwide.

4

Mention any familiarity with Parkinson's disease or nonprofit health organizations to demonstrate genuine interest.

5

Tailor your resume to emphasize 'consultative' and 'influence without authority' language from the job description.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for the mission of the Parkinson's Foundation and understanding of the impact of Moving Day on the community.", "Specific examples of how you've driven revenue growth and innovation in peer-to-peer events.", 'Your experience training and supporting remote teams or chapters to achieve common goals.', 'Your ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution, especially in a remote setting.']

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 priorities.
  • Study the Moving Day walk program details, including past event pages and fundraising resources.
  • Look into the Foundation's other signature events (e.g., Parkinson's Revolution) to see how they complement Moving Day.
  • Familiarize yourself with the latest Parkinson's research and care initiatives to speak knowledgeably about the mission.
Visit Parkinson's Foundation's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach a chapter that is underperforming in its Moving Day event?
2 Describe a time you implemented a new fundraising tactic that significantly boosted results.
3 How do you prioritize competing demands when managing multiple events and stakeholders?
4 What metrics do you use to measure the success of a walk event beyond revenue?
5 How would you build relationships with sponsors and volunteers in a remote environment?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on event logistics rather than revenue growth and relationship-building.
  • Not demonstrating how you've influenced others without direct authority (a key requirement).
  • Overlooking the consultative nature of the role – avoid presenting yourself as a 'doer' only.

📅 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!