Let’s Meet a Chapter Member

Let’s Meet a Chapter Member

 

Each eNews, we introduce you to some of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a question-and-answer type interview article.

This week the Member in the hotseat is: Sophie Borrillo McLellan, Philanthropy Manager, Caulfield Grammar School  

 

 

  1. When and where did your career in education begin?

I started my career in the Arts sector, working in Development in Theatres for about 10 years. When I had my children, the 11pm Press Nights just didn’t agree with the 5am wakeups, and so I began to look for other roles that I hoped I would find equal satisfaction in. Education hadn’t crossed my radar until I came across a listing for The King’s School, Worcester, (in the UK where I’m from), and reading the specifications and responsibilities, I realised how much it aligned with all the aspects I adored about my role in the Theatre; enabling meaningful engagement and building on those relationships to create transformational opportunities. As Head of Alumni Relations at King’s, I had the pleasure of maintaining Alumni relations that built and strengthened relationships between the School and its community of over 14,000 former pupils, parents, staff and donors in order to maximise Alumni interest in, and engagement with, the school and their philanthropic ambitions. It was a wonderful place to begin my journey in Education and set me up perfectly for my next career steps, as Development and Alumni Relations Manager for The Royal Grammar School Worcester, and on moving to Australia last year, in my current role at Caulfield Grammar School. 

 

  1. What interests you most in terms of your role?

Without a doubt, every element of what excites me, is people. Whether I’m carrying out the initial prospecting, meeting face-to-face, collaborating with colleagues, or working with donors, it is the uniqueness of people, finding out about them and building genuine relationships that go on to make an impact, it all really resonates with me! There are so many fascinating conversations happening around the psychology of giving, moving away from just asking why people support, but moreover asking what kind of donor supporters believe themselves to be. In the context of our schools this gives us huge potential with our donors; looking at Alumni in terms of their life-long relationship with us, at parents in the context of their potential to build communities, and in launching campaigns that people feel a sense of belonging and connection with, rather than an obligation.  

 

  1. What do you find the most rewarding part of your job?

Of course, securing a transformational gift is always amazing, and inevitably the result of so much time and commitment on all sides. We do what we do because we believe in the power of education to change lives, and nothing can replace the feeling of seeing that in action. But I’d be remiss to say it is only those major gifts that I find rewarding. Seeing impact evolve over time and become a reality in many ways, and at all levels, gives me so much pleasure. It might be having a former scholarship recipient return to mentor current students or share their story in a publication, or watching the journey of a supporter from a one-off small gift to a significant donation. Seeing long-term change in motion, at whatever stage I am fortunate enough to be a part of it, is very special indeed. 

 

  1. Who is your biggest role model in terms of leadership? 

Being from the UK, we are of course a Football (or you’d say Soccer!) mad nation. I’ve had front row seats to my husband’s rollercoaster ride as a lifetime Aston Villa supporter, and have been so impressed by the emotional intelligence of their current Manager, Unai Emery. He is immensely detail oriented and a little tactics obsessed, but he manages his team and players on such a human level, really investing in their development, building confidence, and revitalising players by embracing and understanding their individual style and traits. It’s that individual attention that I really admire. You rarely see him criticise players publicly and he has an approach that promotes support and accountability over blame and discipline. I am always curious about human behaviour and group dynamics, and he demonstrates how teams and individuals can thrive in the hands of a good leader. 

 

  1. What aspect of your role do you love the most?

The variety. No day is the same. One day you’re in a meaningful donor conversation, the next you are planning a large event or shaping a story. It is such a dynamic job, and I love all the different skills it demands of me; communication, strategy, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. The change keeps the role so engaging and feeling fresh, but there’s depth too, in those meaningful, purposeful, and human moments. 

 

  1. What are you currently doing that would be of interest to other membersinEducate Plus? 

We’re working on our comprehensive campaign which is very exciting. It includes a capital project that is going to give us so many wonderful and inventive opportunities for philanthropy to play a part. I’m always happy to chat to anyone who wants to know more… 

 

  1. Describe yourself in 5 words.
  • Curious  
  • Creative 
  • Relational 
  • Mission-driven  
  • Thoughtful 

 

  1. For anyone embarking on a role in Fundraising, what advice would you give them?

Be patient and respect the process. Meaningful relationships take time, trust, and care to build. Meaningful giving will come from these meaningful relationships, so enjoy laying those foundations. It might feel a little quiet to start with, so take a breath, and know that great impact will come because of your steadiness at this part of the journey. 

 

Thank you Sophie! It’s been wonderful getting to know you!