Gem Spotlight - rob paterson at holmesglen foundation
Rob began his new Director, Advancement role at Holmesglen Foundation at the start of 2023. From interests in sport to building things to travel and developing others, read below to find out how Rob came to work in fundraising… and why he loves it.
Rob is the Director, Advancement at Holmesglen Foundation
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Queensland the youngest of 7 children in a single parent household, and I lived in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast before moving to Melbourne. I was drawn to playing sport from a young age and I have been involved in competitive sport in one way or another ever since, and I have been involved in sports coaching for over 30 years and currently coach Australian Rules at Melbourne University. The other side is that I am a very big music/live music fan and have been so since my early teens.
What are you passionate about?
I have always had an interest in the training and development of people. As I got older, this has become a passion to have an impact on the development of young people and has led me to coach sport and work in industries where I can fulfill this passion. I have been fortunate to work at Monash and Melbourne Universities in sport and student service businesses and fundraising, and now I am the Director, Advancement at Holmesglen Foundation. My work at Holmesglen allows me to assist young people to be their best and take away some of the financial burden that may inhibit this though the awarding of student scholarships.
Where is your favourite or dream holiday destination?
I love to visit Japan and I have been there several times. My most memorable trip was in 2012 when I went with a couple of friends to Fuji Rock Music Festival. That year the crowd reached 160,000 people and the headline acts were, The Stone Roses (my fav), the Specials, and Radiohead. It was an amazing experience located in the snow fields of Japan during summer, with 30 degree temps every day.
What is your favourite movie?
My favourite movie is Amelie, I love the cinematography, music score, acting and quirky love story.
What was your very first job?
I left school at the start of year 11 to take a job as a bricklayer. Over the next 10 years I had a few different roles in the construction industry including a concreter, swimming pool builder and landscaper. When I moved to Melbourne, I established a landscaping business which I really enjoyed, especially working on the more traditional cottage style gardens that I didn’t see in Qld.
What’s the best thing about your current role?
As the Director, Advancement for the Holmesglen Foundation I have the opportunity to develop the overall strategy and focus while working with a great Board and Chief Executive. I have never lost my interest in building things and I get to continue the work started by the inaugural Director, Vincent Ramos.
Development / Advancement can be hard. How do you stay focused, motivated, and driven?
I was very fortunate to have secured my first fundraising role at Melbourne University. I got to work with and learn from some amazing people. I feel this gave me an understanding of how this sector works and I was able to blend this with my experience in goal setting and strategy to maintain motivation.
What is your proudest accomplishment or career highlight?
I have had a number of different careers and there are highlights for each one so I will go with my proudest accomplishment in my current industry. While working on the Believe Campaign at Melbourne University I helped the MU Boat Club establish a matched giving appeal which gave the club a significant boost. The most enjoyable part was helping a large number of the club members to support the club they felt very passionately about and to help secure a future legacy for the Boat Club.
What is the best career advice you’ve received? / What is the key career advice you give to others?
I am a big believer in being yourself and being authentic in all parts of your life. I think it’s the easiest way to allow the best parts of yourself to come out and to allow you to work with your true strengths.
Thanks for being a Gem Spotlight, Rob!