Q & A WITH Amy Coote, Head of Corporate Partnerships and Fundraising at headspace
Amy Coote has been described as a “mover and shaker” in the social impact sector for her leadership, passion, commitment and proven track record of success in driving fundraising outcomes. She shares her fundraising journey from the corporate sector into fundraising, plus career highlights, advice and big plans for 2021.
Gembridge managed the recruitment assignment to appoint Amy in her current role as Head of Corporate Partnerships & Fundraising at headspace. We are excited to follow her career journey and hearing about her aspirational strategic plans for growth in corporate partnerships and fundraising unfold at headspace.
Amy Coote, headspace
Head of Corporate Partnerships & Fundraising
How did you get into the social impact sector?
After having my two children I was seeking out a career change that was purpose driven and aligned with my values. I was incredibly fortunate to discover a philanthropy role with Mission Australia, identified how my skills would be transferrable to the sector and role and have never looked back!
What was your previous career?
I was a Business Development Manager and Project Manager within the Professional Conference Organising and Events sector and had previously held senior roles within the hospitality industry.
Fundraising is hard. How do you stay focussed and motivated?
I am deeply passionate about leveraging my skills to influence positive change, so being able to spend my time building strong connections and raising vital funds to support essential work in our community is the best job ever! I am motivated each day by my incredible, hardworking colleagues, strong sense of purpose and amazing generosity of people in Australia.
What is your proudest accomplishment or career highlight?
Working in fundraising and philanthropy there are so may highlights, because each time there is a success it means progression towards vision and mission. However, I will share the first philanthropic grant I received in my role at Mission Australia, because it was life changing. I had secured multi-million dollar conference business in my previous role, but this grant was for $32K from the Jack Brockhoff Foundation. This grant was going to help young mum’s reengage with their education all whilst their babies were supported in childcare. It was so significant to me, both personally and professionally and from that moment on I knew I had found my place.
What are your resolutions or goals for 2021?
To successfully implement a new corporate partnerships and fundraising strategy at headspace and achieve some very ambitious goals – for the benefit of ensuring that all young people are supported to be mentally healthy and engaged in their communities
What is the best career advice you've received?
Always believe in yourself.
What is the key career advice you give to others, particularly fundraisers?
Believe in the power of relationships! I am passionate about building connections and developing close relationships - it is something I deeply value in my life, both personally and professionally. When we want to create a positive impact in our community, it 'takes a village' and we need to build diverse groups of passionate, connected people to achieve this.
If you could invite 3 guests to dinner, who would they be?
Only 3!? Well, then…Jacinda Ardern, Michelle Obama and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Did you learn something new or manage major pivots during lockdown?
I learned that there is a reason I did not become a teacher!
What is your favourite holiday destination?
Palm Cove for relaxing and Alaska for an experience of a lifetime.
What did you dream of being when you were a child?
An orthopaedic surgeon like my Dad!
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Be back on the cruise ship with my family sailing around Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska (COVID free of course!)
What is your favourite movie / book?
Little Miss Sunshine