Alumni: Where Are They Now? with Bryson Cowan King

Posted December 3, 2019

We recently caught up with former employee Bryson to discover what she's been up to since leaving the firm!

What was your role while at Development Guild?

Bryson Cowan King (r) with fellow Development Guild DDI alumni Caroline Dunn-Rankin (l).

I started at Development Guild as an Assistant in 2012 right out of college. I worked primarily with Tracy Marshall, but had the opportunity to work with a range of leaders and consultants at the firm as a coordinator on both search and fundraising projects for clients that spanned across sectors.

When I started zeroing in on executive search as a career track, I moved into a consultant role, where I partnered with Susan, Rebecca, and Caroline to streamline our research + candidate management processes. I also performed outreach for searches and was one of our database experts.

What did you take away from your time here that has served you well in your career?

I could not have asked for a better launching pad for a career in fundraising! Working in such a professional client-facing setting with exposure to shops both near and far really was the best introduction to the field. While at Development Guild, I also sharpened my communication skills, became proficient in time management, and learned the importance of relationships. I have immense gratitude for all I was able to do and all I was exposed to during my time there.

What have you been up to since leaving?

I left Development Guild in 2015 to join the team at Beaver Country Day School. I had worked with Tracy and Bill on the search for a new Director of Philanthropy + Engagement, and had been so impressed with the team, the school’s mission, and the exciting fundraising work on the horizon.

As the Capital Campaign Manager, I managed the major gift prospect management, research, stewardship, and events for the school’s $25M comprehensive capital campaign. When the campaign was wrapping up in early 2018, I accepted a position at Harvard University on the Principal Gifts team looking to continue a focused career in prospect management. Last November, I returned to Beaver in a newly created front line role – something I had always wondered if I would enjoy – and I could not be happier!

On a personal note, since I left DG, I got married, and my husband George and I now live in Roslindale. We have been on some amazing adventures – including our honeymoon traveling through three countries in South America and our recent train ride across Canada.

Bryson with her husband George on their honeymoon in Chile.

Tell us more about your current role.

As the Assistant Director of Philanthropy + Engagement at Beaver Country Day School, I raise funds for our Annual Fund and major gift initiatives, and I connect our alumni and parents to the wonderful things happening on campus everyday.

I love having the opportunity to meet with alumni and hear their stories, and to build relationships with the families, students and teachers in our community. I truly wake up excited to go to work everyday.

What is your fondest memory from your time at Development Guild?

One of the greatest gifts from my time at DG is the incredible friendships I built with colleagues. Many people that I worked with have become dear friends and mentors. It’s not a single memory that jumps out, but a beautiful collage of camaraderie, support and laughter!

Do you have any advice you would like to give to incoming employees?

Soak up as much knowledge as you can, learn from the brilliant people around you, go to Tracy for career/life advice, and treat yourself to a Zaftigs breakfast every once in while 🙂

If you’re interested in becoming a part of the Development Guild team, you can explore our current openings here: Join Us.

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