Head of Fundraising

The organisation

Epilepsy is a chronic medical condition that affects the brain and results in recurring seizures.  It is the most common serious brain disorder globally and more prevalent than Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and cerebral palsy. Epilepsy can develop at any age, regardless of gender or cultural background and affects some 250,000 Australians.  Interestingly, 1 in 25 Australians will be diagnosed with epilepsy at some point in their life.  With an ageing population, people over the age of 60 are now the largest group of Australians living with epilepsy.

Founded in Victoria in 1964, the Epilepsy Foundation supports people with the condition, and all those who care for them, across Victoria and New South Wales.  The Foundation uses evidence-based practice to stop avoidable deaths, ensure children receive a good education, help people get and keep their jobs and assist them to feel safe and connected.  

A good understanding of epilepsy is the key to achieving these outcomes. The Epilepsy Foundation is committed to not only supporting people living with epilepsy today, but also working with researchers and the medical community to find a cure for tomorrow.  The Australian Epilepsy Research Fund (AERF) supports research into finding new and improved treatments and reducing the impact of epilepsy on people’s lives.  

The Epilepsy Foundation is developing and deploying programs to deliver an ‘Epilepsy Smart Australia’ and encourages all Australians to learn about epilepsy and gain confidence in supporting people living with epilepsy and/or experiencing a seizure.

Services include:

Information and Resources – An Information Line is staffed by epilepsy Support Workers with expertise in how epilepsy affects health, wellbeing and daily living, incorporating person-centred, self-management strategies.

Epilepsy Support Services – Epilepsy Support Workers assist people with epilepsy and their families and support networks, providing: advice and information, guidance on risk management and living well with epilepsy, individualised support for people who require assistance with accessing supports and community resources, plus the development of Epilepsy Management Plans.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Support – The Epilepsy Foundation is a registered NDIS provider. Supports include: providing information about the NDIS, pre-planning services to assist in deciding what goals should be included in an NDIS plan, development of Epilepsy Management Plans and Emergency Medication Management Plans, as well as education and training.

Education and Training – evidence-based, person-centred training programs for families, schools, communities and workplaces to increase awareness and understanding of epilepsy.

Peer Support – A number of peer support groups are run throughout the year for families, young people and adults living with epilepsy.  Websites, Facebook pages and blogs provide opportunities for people living with epilepsy and their families to connect and share their stories.

The brief

The COVID-19 pandemic had a material effect on the company’s income generation and operating conditions for 2021 and 2022. In April 2022, the CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation invited Brooker Consulting to provide a confidential proposal outlining our approach in conducting an executive search for the Foundation’s Head of Fundraising.

The process

After a rigorous process involving a targeted search, combined with a print and online media campaign, Katrina Parker emerged as the preferred candidate.  In a highly competitive space, the identification and appointment of such a high calibre candidate was remarked on by all members of the selection committee.

The outcome

Katrina is an experienced director of fundraising with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness and fitness industry. She is a strong community and social services professional skilled in non-for-profit organisations, corporate social responsibility, event management, volunteer management, and public speaking.  Katrina commenced her role in July 2022.