Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Director, Public Policy Communications

at Parkinson's Foundation

🏢 About Parkinson's Foundation

The Parkinson's Foundation is uniquely mission-driven, focusing on improving life for people with Parkinson's disease through research, care, and education. Working here means directly contributing to a cause that impacts millions, with a collaborative culture that values advocacy and patient-centered communication.

About This Role

This role leads the development and execution of strategic communications to advance the Foundation's policy goals at federal and state levels. It involves creating compelling materials, managing rapid response to policy moments, and integrating patient stories to humanize advocacy, making a tangible impact on healthcare policy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with monitoring policy news and drafting rapid response statements on a new bill. Then, you might meet with the advocacy team to align on messaging for an upcoming Hill day, followed by writing a blog post featuring a patient story. Afternoon could involve pitching reporters on a new policy report and coordinating with partner organizations on joint advocacy efforts.

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🎯 Who Parkinson's Foundation Is Looking For

  • Experienced in policy communications, with 7+ years in advocacy, media relations, or Capitol Hill/state legislature roles.
  • Skilled at translating complex policy issues into clear, compelling messages for general audiences.
  • Proven ability to build relationships with reporters and external partners, and manage rapid response communications.
  • Passionate about healthcare advocacy and deeply familiar with Parkinson's disease or similar neurological conditions.

📝 Tips for Applying to Parkinson's Foundation

1

Highlight specific examples of policy communications campaigns you led, including outcomes like legislative wins or media coverage.

2

Tailor your resume to show experience with both federal and state-level advocacy, especially in healthcare.

3

In your cover letter, mention any personal connection to Parkinson's disease or neurological advocacy to demonstrate genuine passion.

4

Showcase your ability to create diverse materials: press releases, talking points, blog posts, and social media content.

5

Research the Foundation's current policy priorities (e.g., funding for PD research, care access) and reference them in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience in policy communications and advocacy, especially in healthcare or non-profit settings.', 'Demonstrate your ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible narratives for diverse audiences.', 'Highlight your track record of building media relationships and securing coverage for advocacy campaigns.', "Express genuine commitment to the Foundation's mission and understanding of Parkinson's disease impact."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Foundation's current legislative priorities and recent advocacy wins (e.g., the Parkinson's Accountability Act).
  • → Study the Foundation's tone and messaging across their website, blog, and social media channels.
  • → Understand the landscape of Parkinson's advocacy organizations and how the Foundation collaborates with them.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key reporters covering healthcare policy and Parkinson's disease.
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 rapid response communications during a policy crisis or key legislative moment.
2 How would you integrate patient stories into policy communications without compromising privacy or dignity?
3 Walk us through your process for developing a strategic communications plan for a new policy goal.
4 How do you measure the success of a policy communications campaign? Provide examples.
5 What experience do you have working with state-level advocacy compared to federal? Give examples.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference the Foundation's specific mission or policy goals.
  • Overlooking the importance of patient-centered storytelling in favor of purely political messaging.
  • Failing to demonstrate experience with both federal and state-level policy communications.

📅 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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