Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Development Manager, California Chapter

at Parkinson's Foundation

🏢 About Parkinson's Foundation

The Parkinson's Foundation is a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving life for those with Parkinson's disease through innovative care and research. With a global community and a strong focus on mission-driven work, it offers a chance to make a tangible impact on a growing health crisis. Remote flexibility combined with local chapter engagement creates a unique hybrid role.

About This Role

As the Senior Development Manager for the California Chapter, you'll drive fundraising and community engagement across the state, managing peer-to-peer events and donor cultivation. Your work directly supports the Foundation's mission by securing resources for care and research, and you'll have the autonomy to build and grow the chapter's presence remotely.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the advisory board chair to discuss upcoming events, followed by reviewing donor portfolios and making thank-you calls. Afternoon could involve planning logistics for a Moving Day walk, updating CRM records, and hosting a volunteer training webinar. The day ends with a team call to align on quarterly goals.

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🎯 Who Parkinson's Foundation Is Looking For

  • A seasoned fundraiser with 5+ years of experience in non-profit events and donor cultivation, comfortable with gifts up to $10,000.
  • A self-starter who thrives in a remote environment, adept at managing multiple projects and timelines independently.
  • A relationship-builder skilled in recruiting and managing volunteer boards and advisory committees.
  • Proficient in CRM databases (e.g., Blackbaud) and Microsoft Office, with strong data-driven decision-making skills.

📝 Tips for Applying to Parkinson's Foundation

1

Highlight specific examples of peer-to-peer fundraising events you've managed, including revenue growth and vendor logistics.

2

Quantify your success in donor cultivation, especially gifts in the $1,000-$10,000 range, and mention any board recruitment experience.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize remote work experience and self-management skills, as this role is fully remote.

4

Research the Parkinson's Foundation's current initiatives in California (e.g., Moving Day walks, Parkinson's Awareness Month) and mention them in your cover letter.

5

Use the cover letter to explain why you're passionate about Parkinson's disease specifically, not just non-profit work in general.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with community-based events and peer-to-peer fundraising, with measurable results.', 'Your ability to build and nurture relationships with donors and volunteers, especially at the advisory board level.', 'Your comfort with remote work and managing multiple projects without direct supervision.', "A genuine connection to the Parkinson's Foundation mission or personal motivation for supporting Parkinson's care and research."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Parkinson's Foundation's strategic plan and annual report to understand their priorities and impact metrics.
  • → Learn about the California Chapter's recent events and advisory board members via the Foundation's website or news.
  • → Understand the competitive landscape of Parkinson's nonprofits (e.g., Michael J. Fox Foundation) and how Parkinson's Foundation differentiates.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you turned around a struggling fundraising event or initiative.
2 How would you approach recruiting new advisory board members in a remote setting?
3 What strategies do you use to cultivate donors for gifts under $10,000?
4 How do you prioritize competing deadlines when managing multiple events simultaneously?
5 What do you know about the Parkinson's Foundation's current programs in California, and how would you leverage them?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Parkinson's or the Foundation's specific programs.
  • Overlooking the remote aspect—failing to demonstrate self-discipline and communication skills for remote work.
  • Neglecting to quantify your fundraising achievements (e.g., 'raised $X' or 'grew event by Y%').

📅 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!

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