What was your role while at Development Guild?
Sean McMahon
I started my career at Development Guild as an Associate in the New York office and then transitioned to a Consultant role, working closely with Kieran and former SVP Sean O’Connor on sales, executive search, and fundraising projects.
What did you take away from your time here that has served you well in your career?
First and foremost, Development Guild helped me fall in love with nonprofits through and through—their missions, people, grit, creativity, resourcefulness, and impact. I felt lucky every day at Development Guild and now in my position at Montefiore and Einstein that I have the opportunity to meet fascinating people and help promote and further their work in service to the greater good.
Development Guild also taught me what it means to be a proactive thinker. Being able to support your team and drive real success starts with active listening, learning, and organization—tenets of a work ethic that carry through at any level.
What have you been up to since leaving?
After leaving Development Guild about three years ago, I joined the Development team at Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine based in the Bronx, New York.
In my personal life, I live in New York City and take full advantage of everything it offers. You can find me and former DG staffer Segovia Spelbrink testing new restaurants anywhere around the city on any given weekend!
Tell us more about your current role.
Currently, I serve as Associate Director of External Relations at the academic medical center Montefiore and Einstein. My role is to tell and shape inspiring stories that motivate, retain, and elevate incredible support from our donor community. This year in particular has been exceptionally formative. Our health system has stood in the COVID-19 pandemic’s epicenter of the epicenter, making our philanthropic work all the more critical and urgent. It’s an honor to promote our frontline workers driving science, medicine, education, and community service during such an unbelievable time for human health.
What is your fondest memory from your time at Development Guild?
It was always an interesting day in the New York office, so it is difficult to choose one fond memory among many. All of our team members were close and relied on each other to brainstorm, talk through hurdles, and celebrate wins. I will always appreciate the camaraderie and friendships we formed.
Do you have any advice you would like to give to incoming employees?
Firstly, my advice is to take the time and energy to form great relationships within the firm and through your client engagements. I truly believe it is the cornerstone of fundraising, your career, and your happiness at work.
Development Guild is a deep pool of opportunity. No matter your position at the firm, you gain access to incredible non-profits, leadership to learn from, and challenges to solve. Take full advantage of that experience by jumping in on any new project that comes your way instead of running through the motions. Development Guild provides a rare viewpoint into the intricate and moving nonprofit space that will provide you with invaluable insight.