NSWACT e-News February 2020 - 10 February 2020

President’s Welcome

Welcome back to 2020! Here we go…

Entering a new year and a new decade is the ideal time to review, refresh and reset our work and life goals. Being an Educate Plus member, you already have the roadmap to success at your fingertips!

Term 1 – Special Interest Groups

Before Term 1 gets away from us and we slip into operational mode, I encourage you to diarise the Special Interest Group (SIG) dates in Term 1—a perfect way to kick-start the year! Nowhere else do we get the opportunity to spend valuable time with our contemporaries, ask our burning questions and learn from each other’s successes (and failures!).

Term 2 – Networking Drinks

In Term 2 we have a couple of relaxed networking knock-off drink events in the planning—watch this space.

Term 3 – International Conference

The biennial International Conference, to be held in Adelaide this year, is going to be a cracker. I may have had a sneak peek at the line-up of speakers and what a treat we are all in for! This event is definitely not to be missed and registrations are now open.

Term 4 – NSW/ACT Chapter AGM and Christmas Party

At a later date than usual this year, 10 December, we hope to see you so we can celebrate the year that was.

Mentoring

Have you considered a mentor? As a member of Educate Plus you have access to a wealth of knowledge throughout the industry via the Mentoring Program. Accelerating your goals is literally one click way… right here!

Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.
John Crosby

Finally, a big thank you to the NSW/ACT Chapter Committee—I have never before met such a hardworking and generous group of professionals. If you want to check out who we are, our mug shots and email addresses are here. You are welcome to contact us at any time with questions, comments and ideas—we would love to hear from you. We look forward to meeting you or catching up at a SIG in the next couple of months.

Onwards!

Myfanwy Stanfield

 

NSW Chapter Events

NSW Chapter Events

Marketing and Communications SIG

  • Date: Thursday 5 March
  • Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
  • Venue: Ravenswood

Join us at the first SIG of Term 1 2020.

The winners of our Marketing and Communications Recognition in Advancement Award 2019 will host a discussion on how effective planned and strategic marketing can be and share a case study of their award winning Love RAVO campaign.

The presentation will be followed by round table discussions – bring your burning questions! REGISTER


Alumni and Community Relations SIG

  • Date: Thursday 12 March
  • Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
  • Venue: Santa Sabina College

The winners of our Alumni and Community Relations Recognition in Advancement Award 2019 will host a discussion on how to achieve effective engagement with your community and provide information on the successful Golden Thread Campaign which utilised their 125th Anniversary as the vehicle to realise a breadth of goals for their institution..

The presentation will be followed by round table discussions. REGISTER


Fundraising SIG

  • Date: Tuesday 17 March
  • Time: 8:00am – 10:00am
  • Venue: St Andrew’s College, University of Sydney

Major Gifts account for 90% to 95% of funds raised in any Capital Campaign. So what is the best way to go about securing Major Gifts? This SIG offers the opportunity to hear from experienced fundraisers in University, School and College settings discuss real life Major Gifts they have secured, the process they followed and the techniques they used. Presenting Major Gift case studies will be:

  • Daniel Martin, Director of Development of Medicine & Science at UNSW
  • Jackie Dalton, Director of Philanthropy at Frensham Schools
  • Hannah Atwell, Director of Advancement, St Andrew’s College at the University of Sydney

A Q&A will follow the case study presentations before opening up to further Major Gift discussion and networking. REGISTER


Admissions SIG

  • Date: Wednesday 25 March
  • Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
  • Venue: Brigidine St Ives

The winners of our Admissions Recognition in Advancement Award 2019 will host a discussion on engaging admissions practices and will discuss how their winning video that was directed at prospective students and their parents, even before the student attended the Welcome Day, enabled them to feel part of a bigger community, and a sense of excitement and anticipation was created. The presentation will be followed by round table discussions. REGISTER


Save the Date Regional PD Events – Hunter Valley Grammar School

  • Date: Friday 22 May
  • Time: 9:00am – 2:30pm
  • Venue: Hunter Valley Grammar School

Save the Date Regional PD Events – Canberra Grammar School

  • Date: Friday 29 May
  • Time: 9:00am – 2:30pm
  • Venue: Canberra Grammar School
NSW Featured member interview

NSW Featured member interview

Interview with Hannah Atwell, Director of Advancement, St Andrews College Sydney

1. Hannah, can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to work in the Advancement sector?

I studied marketing and art history and initially worked in tourism and art in Far North Queensland (where I’m from originally) before moving to Sydney to do further study. I then worked in a number of different arts organisations, galleries and an art auction house. When I landed a role in the corporate partnerships team at Opera Australia, I discovered that I really enjoyed the mix of account management, event coordination, relationship building, fundraising and philanthropy involved.

Many of my family work in Education, so when I was ready for a new challenge, I looked at the Tertiary sector and realised Advancement combined the elements of work that I wanted to do. It has been a really good fit so far for my skills and experience and I’ve been excited to have promoted to the position of Director of Advancement quite early on.

2. Hannah, having come from an external industry into the education sector, can you see the benefits of belonging to an organisation like Educate Plus?

Being a member of Educate Plus exposes you to lots of different people and organisations, so it allows you to discover new and different ways to approach your own work.

I have learnt so much more about what is possible in my own organisation by being part of Educate Plus than I ever could have by trying to learn alone. Being able to talk to more experienced members of the sector about the challenges in the sector has been really invaluable too, given I didn’t have a strong fundraising background when I started.

3. Can sum up your experience/ feelings about Educate Plus in 5 words?

Warm, welcoming, insightful, inspiring, motivating.

4. Is there anything you would like to see/change/have Educate Plus do as a supportive organisation for people in your role?

I would love to keep hearing about how other Advancement professionals get it done. Be that each day, week, month and/or across the year. We’re often a small teams in a big organisation doing something quite unique, so what works for the Accounting Team won’t necessarily work for those in the Advancement Team.

Welcome to our new members

Welcome to our new members

A very warm welcome to our new members! We look forward to meeting with you at one of our 2020 SIG’s, PD or networking sessions. Please feel free to jump onto our website forum to ask a question, seek advice or listen to other hot topics. We also invite you to join our FB Group which has up to date discussions with Educate Plus members.

First Name Surname Role Organisation
David Porter Chief Operating Officer Barker College
Hannah McGrory Social Media Coordinator Barker College
Laura Bullock Admissions Events Officer Canberra Girls’ Grammar School
Claudia Doman Director of Communications and Engagement Canberra Girls’ Grammar School
Nicola Johnson Admissions Officer Canberra Girls’ Grammar School
Rebecca Withers Admissions Officer Canberra Girls’ Grammar School
Kerri Rock Director of Strategic Operations Canberra Grammar School
Jasmine Kimlin Internal Communications Coordinator Canberra Grammar School
Beth Elleiman Director Finance & Operations Danebank Anglican School for Girls
Fiona Devlin Deputy Principal/Head of Secondary School Hunter Valley Grammar School
Janelle Kelly Communications & Publications Manager Hunter Valley Grammar School
Trish Cartwright International Registrar Macarthur Anglican School
Karyn Ingram Community Relations and Fundraising Manager Macarthur Anglican School
Naomi Welsh Alumni Executive Officer Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College
Saranne Chait Foundations Officer Moriah College
Doron Lazarus Foundation Director Moriah College
Amanda Denton Data Analyst & Community Administration Officer Newington College
Jodie Davis Community Engagement Coordinator Pymble Ladies’ College
Deborah Magill Principal Roseville College
Kristy Trimboli Development and Community Engagement Officer Roseville College
Kyla Jones Human Resources and Compliance Manager Roseville College
Maree Kennedy PA to the Principal Roseville College
Danielle Fairhurst Communications & Publications Designer Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview
Chelsea Slade Development Coordinator St Catherine’s School, Waverley
Kylie Anderson Registrar Waverley College
The Traditional Admission Funnel is Broken

The Traditional Admission Funnel is Broken

This article is reproduced with kind permission from Brendan Schneider , Educate Plus are currently working with Brendan with the view of bring him to Australia to conduct a series of Master Classes.

In my opinion, the traditional admission funnel is broken. I believe this for two reasons:

1. The Rise in Ghost Inquiries

Ghost inquiries are those inquiries where the first point of contact with the prospective family is when they submit their application. The implications of ghost inquiries are huge.

Sure it was great that you received the application but what about all those families that researched your school and decided not to apply. The family has made a decision about your school without you having a voice in the conversation. I often wonder how many families have considered Sewickley Academy but never completed an inquiry form.

Let that sink in for a moment.

The implications are huge.

The traditional funnel model where a family would express interest in your school by calling the admission office with the purpose of receiving your admission packet are over. When the family made their inquiry, they were, in essence, giving you permission to market to them about your school. Those days are over!

The new model, as suggested by the ghost inquiry, is that families are doing their research about your school using Google, review sites like Great Schools, viewing your school’s social media channels, and talking to families and friends about their individual opinions.

When a family completes an inquiry form now, they have already made their decision that they are interested in your school.

Are you thinking about your marketing and admission processes in this new light?

2. The Funnel Signifies an End to the Process

I often walk around the office and say that it’s easier to re-enrol a student than it is to enrol a student. Where is re-enrolment represented in the traditional admission funnel?

It’s not!

Another reason that I think the traditional admission funnel is dead is that the point of the funnel signifies an end – that once a student is enrolled their journey is complete. I think that their journey is only beginning with your school.

There has been a change in this line of thinking in recent years as evidenced in the advancement model at schools as well as admission directors assuming the title of Director of Enrolment. Schools have increasingly spent more time strategically thinking about retention and my school even has a committee where we discuss retention beginning in the early winter of the school year.

What replaces the funnel?

This is a great question and one that I’ve been struggling with for some time. While I’m honestly not sure what form the new funnel should take I have recently settled on The Enrolment Rings.

Here is the general concept – a student moves from one ring to the next based on their level of attraction or commitment to the school. The goal of the school is to move a child into the ring in the middle which signifies an Evangelist for the school.

The Enrollment Rings

Here are the Rings:

Ring 1: Awareness (of your school)
Ring 2: Interest (in your school)
Ring 3: Application (to your school)
Ring 4: Enrolment
Ring 5: Re-enrolment
Ring 6: Alumni
Ring 7: Evangelist

The Enrolment Rings help to address the two weaknesses above of the traditional admission funnel: 1. A school cannot simply focus upon Ring 2: Interest (or Inquiry) anymore, they must also focus on raising awareness of your school for mission appropriate families, 2. The Enrolment Rings have no end, as the funnel does, once a family reaches Ring 7: Evangelist a school will have to work hard in order to keep the family in Ring 7. There is never an end, or finish line – schools, must continue to cultivate individual families to keep them in the Evangelist ring.

 

Certified Advanced Practitioner Training 2020

Certified Advanced Practitioner Training 2020

There are many reasons to invest in your training and professional development. Upskilling and keeping up with the latest trends and industry changes are high on the list but considering new or alternative methods can also lead to greater efficiency and reduced work burdens. Educate Plus Certified Advancement Training Courses are ‘advancement-focussed’ and are developed with relevance and convenience in mind. The training programs are delivered by and grounded in the day-to-day practice of advancement professionals and our Industry Experts who have a real understanding of what staff need in their roles.

Our vision is to improve the capabilities of participants by providing courses that have an immediate positive impact on their working lives. through engaging and relevant content with maximum value in a short timeframe.

‘Brilliant! Real life presenters who currently work in the sector who added an invaluable array of information and experiences. So many options to take back to my team for consideration. I would highly recommend this course.’ Megan Henriksen – 2018 Participant

Our courses cater for those new to the education sector and those already experienced employees who need information and skills to support their growth and gain more advanced knowledge. Educate Plus provides training that is current and relevant, incorporating leading practice across our four key Advancement pillars:
+ Admissions
+ Fundraising
+ Alumni & Community Relations
+ Marketing & Communications.

The course learning materials are rich with case study scenarios, checklists and sample forms. In 2018 we introduced a new learning management system (LMS) which improved the learning experience for our 75 participants. All of us are time poor, so this course work is designed to be completed and submitted online with an on-line discussion forum so participants can get to know their classmates in advance of the face to face training.

Based on feedback from our students the content and structure of our 2020 courses has been further improved to reflect learning needs and requirements through more workshop and adult learning techniques such as peer-to-peer round table discussions. In addition, a new educational marketing resource, with an Australian focus has been specifically developed for this course. Besides improving everyday skills and knowledge, participating in the Advancement training allows for valuable networking and building of relationships with other like-minded professionals. These collaborations help to improve the learning experience. Through workshops and question and answer sessions our participants can connect, engage and discuss important problems of practice and share solutions. This networking strategy can lead you to individuals who are ready and willing to help. Also connecting with industry peers and leaders can provide unique growth and learning opportunities for participants.

Educate Plus is keen to offer this experience as part of its service delivery by bringing together diverse professionals and connecting them with each other in-person and online through the learning management system. In our experience participants offer insights based on their own experiences, discuss professional challenges and offer encouragement and support, as well as professional expertise.

Upcoming Certified Advancement Practitioner Training
The 2020 Certified Advancement Practitioner Training program will be held in Melbourne on 7/8 May. We will be running the following courses:
+ Admissions
+ Fundraising
+ Alumni & Community Relations
+ Marketing & Communications.

Each of the courses outline the basic principles underpinning contemporary practice and standards in that stream. These courses are suitable for beginner to intermediate-level Advancement practitioners.

Registrations for the Certified Advancement Practitioner Training are open now. From past experience we do anticipate that some courses will sell out. If you have any suggestions and feedback on our training programs, please do not hesitate to write to sheila@educateplus.edu.au.


Dates: 7-8 May, 2020 

Location: University of Melbourne

Registration:  OPEN here

Cost:

Course Title Member Non-Member
Admissions $ 636.36 + $ 63.64 GST $ 909.09 + $ 90.91 GST
Alumni and Community Relations $ 454.55 + $ 45.45 GST $ 727.27 + $ 72.73 GST
Marketing and Communications $ 636.36 + $ 63.64 GST $ 909.09 + $ 90.91 GST
Fundraising $ 636.36 + $ 63.64 GST $ 909.09 + $ 90.91 GST

To find out more about the 2020 training programs click here.


 

REGISTER

International Conference Adelaide 2020

International Conference Adelaide 2020

This is the premier event for advancement professionals across Australasia. It will provide you with significant opportunities to learn about leading practices, with over 80 leading practitioners from Australasia, USA and UK presenting. There will be plenty of opportunities to network with your peers and gain industry knowledge through discussion and building connections. You will gain insights from project leaders and industry influencers over the 3 days of workshops in 7 streams.

 

CONFERENCE WEBSITE

 

The Educate Plus 2020 International Conference program is taking shape! New presenters and sessions are being added, you…

Posted by Educate Plus on Thursday, 19 December 2019

 

The Educate Plus 2020 International Conference provides an invaluable opportunity to:

  • Learn and up-skill by attending a variety of conference sessions, including keynote presentations, concurrent sessions and workshops.
  • Over 98% of delegates achieved their outcomes in attending the last Educate Plus International Conference. 
  • Hear from local and international thought-leaders on emerging topics and trends.
  • Network with 700+ advancement practitioners and like-minded peers.
  • Discover the latest innovations, products and services on show at the exhibition.

The conference has seven concurrent streams which will cover:

  • Admissions
  • School Fundraising
  • Advanced and Tertiary Fundraising
  • School Alumni and Community engagement
  • Advanced and Tertiary Alumni and Community Engagement
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Leadership and General Advancement

In addition to the pre-conference masterclasses and workshops on 8 September, the following 3 conference days (9-11 September) will include round-table opportunities to discuss key challenges, as well as practical sessions with the aim of providing attendees with a range of strategies to implement in their roles. There is a full social program to encourage and provide time to network. Our draft program has just been published. Please note that content and speakers are open to change.

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Don’t miss out, early bird tickets are on sale now!

Pre-Conference Masterclasses and Workshops

Pre-Conference Masterclasses and Workshops

Our pre-conference workshops and masterclass offerings for the 2020 International Conference surpass previous years. You are welcome to register for any class/workshop you wish, there are full or half-day options.

Led by a hand-picked group of the world’s most innovative educators, combining focused, relevant information and tips, that are guaranteed to keep you engaged, delegates can immerse themselves in the day to learn the tricks of the trade.

Our Capital Campaigns Masterclass will include focused talks, interactive discussions and current trends from world experts. This workshop will be relevant to the Alumni and Fundraising staff, and will make you think, review and implement best practice.

Our iPhone & Cinematography workshop is guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing. Creative communication forms the beating heart of marketing communications/ social media/ telling your story, but not all of us feel comfortable delving into our creative brain in order to produce new and inspiring material. Our workshop will explore elements of videography, empowering you to communicate with elegance and eloquence.

This expert is an experienced presenter, writer and content developer and at #epadelaide2020, he will share the secrets to Delivering an amazing Presentation. Delegates will learn the core components of every great talk:

  • The story – making sure the message has a coherent structure
  • The media – enhancing the story not distracting from it
  • Presentation – making sure the message is delivered with presence

This incredible handpicked lineup of experts will take you through Discovering Advancement. There will be a lot of shared knowledge from people at different stages in the Industry from those newly joined, fresh faced members to those experts who have lots of insights to help you on your journey. This unique workshop will be an unforgettable opportunity to update your Advancement knowledge, and is relevant to everyone in the Educational Advancement sector. Do not miss out.

You can get totally overwhelmed when it comes to social media, the new platform developments, algorithms, how do you keep up? In our Social Media Advertising workshop, you will come away from this session and you will be so incredibly excited and pumped that you will just want to do everything now!! DO NOT MISS THIS SESSION! You will learn from someone who has worked in the industry (MySpace, Bebo, Facebook). Want some insider tips? Register for this session.

Take advantage of our free Sponsor workshops, where you will be provided with information and training on their services and products, with Q & A session to follow.

  • Synergetic: Empower Education through world-class Management Solutions.
  • Charidy: Leading Nonprofits use Charidy to accelerate their growth and strengthen their communities, fundraising solutions.
  • Digistorm: Apps, websites, enrolment automation and much more.
  • Potentiality TBC : Provide an all-in-one solution that encompasses a powerful Fundraising Database, a social network integrated Online Community, a Website, Emailing facility, an Events Management System, inbuilt Payment Gateway, Campaign Manager and Microsoft Outlook integration.

Click on the button below to find out more and to register.

FIND OUT MORE

Main Conference

Main Conference

HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKERS

We have a broad range of fantastic National and International speakers to share their expert knowledge. Hover over speaker to find out more.

SOCIAL PROGRAM

Our exciting social program provides an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues and suppliers and most importantly, have fun. The networking focal point of #epadelaide2020, the Welcome Reception at one of the most picturesque sporting grounds in the world the Adelaide Oval, provides the perfect opportunity to catch up with colleagues. Included with your full registration. The exhibitors area will be open throughout the pre-conference and 3 day conference, where you can grab a coffee at one of the stations, meet with suppliers and build new business relationships in a relaxed environment. Our Fuego Gala Evening, featuring exciting entertainment, a highly anticipated event provides the perfect opportunity to network and create amazing memories with colleagues. Join us for the social highlight of the Conference, to be held at the National Wine Centre of Australia. Unwind with friends and colleagues over fabulous food and drinks while being entertained! Dress code: a touch of red!

To find out more about our social program click the button below:

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

 

CONFERENCE TOUR PACKAGES

While in Adelaide, don’t miss out on some of the local attractions which have been carefully selected by our local Conference Committee as must see places. Adelaide is a gateway to some of Australia’s best wine country and is home to Australia’s official best restaurant, hotel, wine, gin and beach. As Adelaide has suffered losses during the recent tragic bushfires some of these tours may be unavailable but you are encouraged to help support Adelaide tourism as much as possible as locals try to rebuild and bring their beautiful tourist destination back to its former glory. There is lots of information on some special offers, planning for your trip and also if you decide to extend your visit to enjoy everything that Adelaide has to offer.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

 

CONFERENCE APP

Our Conference App is under construction at the moment and will be available end of April, start of May. This app will provide you with an up to date itinerary.

 

THANKS TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS

Mentoring

Mentoring

One of the many benefits on offer with your Educate Plus Membership is our Mentoring program. Educate Plus recently subscribed to, what we believe to be, the world’s leading online mentoring platform.

This is an innovative, new mentoring platform enables users to take control of their own mentoring activities.

We already have 79 users, 45 mentors and 50 mentees up and running on the platform.  With 26 active mentoring partnerships in place we are receiving very positive feedback on the platform and on the relationships that have been formed:

” John has given me some ideas and thoughts about how to improve our fundraising. He has been honest and forthcoming with help.”
I met with Mike recently for the first time and it was fantastic to talk about some of the hurdles I face at work, especially with helping my school Board understand the importance of some of the initiatives I would like to roll out. It was also great to chat to Mike about what other career paths are available to me as a fundraiser – such as in the tertiary industry, which I am not familiar with at all.”
The meeting room on the platform has enabled me to be mentored by someone in another state.  Fantastic!”
We have exchanged emails and I have shared a presentation I gave at the Ed Plus Dunedin conference. Sophie said that she found our meeting very helpful and has been able to put some of things we talked about into practice already.”
Being able to meet on the platform has meant that we can fit in our catch ups more regularly.”

Joining our Mentoring network is incredibly easy: Just click here and create your profile to get started If you are already on Linkedin most of the work is done for you!  Once registered the platform will find you a match and away you go.  Alternatively, we can match for you.  Just let us know: mentoring@educateplus.edu.au

So, whether you would like to find a mentor to help you set your career goals for 2020 or if you are an experienced practitioner looking to give back to your community jump on board and kick-start the year with a new mentoring partnership. 

Here is a short webinar to help you navigate the platform too.

Get in touch if you need some help:  mentoring@educateplus.edu.au