Gem Spotlight - Bree Jopp at Eastern Health
Bree was hired as Eastern Health’s Head of Donor Engagement around 18 months ago, and she is currently their Acting Director, Foundation. Below, Bree has kindly shared a little of her journey from first job through to her current role, along with the strategy that keeps her team happy and advice for a satisfying work life.
Bree Jopp is the Acting Director, Foundation at Eastern Health
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello! I'm Bree and I've been a fundraiser my whole life. Even before I worked in the NFP sector, I managed relationships with charities, so am very proud that my career - regardless of where I've been - has always had such purpose.
What are you passionate about?
I am very passionate about the importance of working with a great team. I thrive when working with others, celebrating each other's wins, and driving towards great change and making an impact. Also, I've got to say that I'm extremely passionate about my beautiful family, friends and making time for myself to help keep me healthy - mentally and physically.
What is your favourite movie, TV show or book?
Oh, my favourite movie of all time is the epic Kill Bill series. I love the music, the incredible story, Beatrix Kiddo as the resilient and focused heroine! It's just so good. I recently had a 3hr drive with my 11-year-old son (who I know would love the movie, but just has to wait) so I ended up telling him the story verbally (without the gruesome detail) - and we both enjoyed every minute of it! I even started crying when I was explaining the (almost) final scene in the second film. I cannot wait to watch it with him in about 5 or 6 years!
What did you dream of being when you were a child?
I always wanted to be an architect but think I just got distracted in secondary school. I was always drawing floor plans (and still do occasionally) or creating floor plans out of Lego bricks. I still love building and drawing - now it's become a bit of a mindfulness activity for me, to enjoy with my kids from time to time.
What was your very first job?
My first 'real' job (I'm not including my stint at the bakery in high school) was Marketing Assistant at Mount Hotham. It was the absolute BEST for that time of my life. It helped me to become more social, confident and professional. I worked in a team with strong female leaders, so had incredible role models to learn from. I especially loved the days when our boss would say 'time to go test the product' and we'd all head out for a ski. What a job!
What’s the best thing about your current role?
The people I work with. I'm currently the Acting Director of the Foundation at Eastern Health. And not only is it an excellent team of experienced fundraisers within the Foundation team itself, but the work that the healthcare professionals are doing every single day is truly remarkable. What an honour it is to work with them all, raise funds to support their work, and then see the direct impact within the community of Melbourne's East.
Your profession can be hard. How do you stay focused, motivated, and driven?
It is so important to have a solid strategy that keeps me and the team on track. A good strategy gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the wins, grow from learnings and experiences and stay focused on what we promise to deliver. It also makes it easier to say 'no' (or park) the wonderfully creative ideas and suggestions that pop up throughout the year. The most important thing to include in any strategy is to support the team to be happy and healthy. This can include professional development opportunities, regular feedback and social events together.
What is the best career advice you’ve received? / What is the key career advice you give to others?
Put your hand up, back yourself, take risks and be comfortable to make mistakes - learning opportunities and feedback are the greatest gifts you'll ever receive.
Thank you for sharing with us, Bree!