Executive Director

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is currently seeking its first Executive Director in Minnesota to join their growing organization. This is a full time, exempt, hybrid role (a blend of work from home and in-person) based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. The Minnesota Chapter provides support, education, and services to people impacted by Parkinson’s Disease throughout the state. Operating a $300,000 revenue budget, the Chapter is well poised for explosive growth.

The ideal candidate has leadership experience in the non-profit sector, is familiar with the Minnesota geography, culture, and the philanthropic market; has a proven track record in major gift fundraising and donor cultivation; has knowledge of Parkinson’s disease and/or chronic illness, the healthcare and social service systems; possesses strong relationship-building skills and communications strengths, the ability to multi-task, deliver exceptional customer service;

and utilize keen problem solving and judgment skills.

Founded in 1961, American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease. APDA’s mission is “provide the support, education, and research that will help everyone impacted by Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest.” It has raised and invested more than $313 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of Parkinson’s disease and ultimately put an end to this disease.

The Executive Director (ED) provides strategic leadership in the Chapter’s chartered territory, manages human and financial resources, and creates an atmosphere for volunteers, staff, and stakeholders to succeed in meeting the objectives of APDA’s mission. The ED will accomplish this through the development, implementation and evaluation of all Chapter programs and services, events, and operations necessary for efficient functioning and sustainable growth.

The ED reports to a Regional Director and works in conjunction with the Chapter’s Board of Directors and with the support and approval of the APDA President and CEO and/or designee(s).

• Provides leadership, direction, management and training for Chapter Board, committees, volunteers and staff in the development and implementation Annual Plan and Budget. Inspires and motivates leadership to the staff and volunteers while encouraging and promoting growth.
• Serves as the primary liaison to the Chapter’s Board of Directors and works with the Board Development Committee to identify, cultivate, recruit and train successor leadership to the chapter board and leadership positions.

• Responsible for executing all levels of fundraising including events, grants, corporate sponsorship, donor cultivation, bequests, and major gifts to achieve the Chapter’s annual plan and budget.
• Evaluates the income growth potential of all Chapter activities and develops appropriate strategies to ensure income stability and growth.
• Creates and implements an awareness and marketing program to improve APDA’s brand recognition in the Chapter’s territory.

• Provides the leadership, management and support for the development of mission driven programs (i.e. Support Groups, Patient Services; Public Education Campaigns, etc.).
• Serves as the primary staff spokesperson to promote the understanding of the APDA mission and presence in the chapter market areas.
• Cultivates productive relationships with the media and various constituent and related groups including professional, educational, and political leadership.

• Accountable for the development, management, and attainment of the annual budget, and administration of accounting policies.
• Implements the approval process for all contracts and purchases in accordance with APDA operational policies and/or practices.
• Appraises operating results in terms of costs, approved budget compliance, operating policies, trends,…