Jocelyn Reilly is a Senior Consultant of Philanthropy Services at Gobel Group. We recently conducted an interview with her regarding her background and experience.
- What did you do before joining Gobel Group?
I’ve been in development operations for over sixteen years – I’ve had a variety of experiences in higher education, healthcare, and government nonprofits. Before Gobel, I worked at Westchester Medical Center, the FDNY Foundation, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and as a consultant in Philanthropy Services. I guess you could say I’ve “grown up” over the course of my career – I started out in very entry level positions before ultimately leading operations in later roles. My wide variety of experience levels has given me the opportunity to really get to know organizations from the inside out. - Why did you decide to join Gobel Group?
I was looking to see what the next steps were for me and consulting was the direction I knew I wanted to head. So I went to an industry listserv (AASP), and that very day I saw a job posting for Gobel Group. It sounds weird, but I knew the moment I saw the listing that I wanted to work there. I just had a gut feeling about it – it just felt right, and it’s felt right since that day. I knew then, as I know now, I was meant to be here. - How would you describe your consulting expertise?
I like to approach my clients from the standpoint of a coach, a mentor, a guide. When I conduct onsite visits, I enjoy feeling as though I’m part of a team. I never demand things or tell my clients what to do; I guide them through the process. I act as a sounding board, and I want to be someone that can help them overcome challenges and obstacles. I always approach consulting as a collaborative event – we’re finding solutions together, as a team, and when we come through at the end, after the solutions have been implemented and everything is working as it should, it really feels like we’re ready for the “big game,” like we’re ready to play! - What excites you about working with Gobel Group’s clients?
I’ve been in roles before where I didn’t really see the fruits of my labor, and I know that can be incredibly disheartening and frustrating. The exciting thing about working with Gobel Group clients is that we can directly see the progress; we really can see things happening and taking shape. It’s incredible that we get to learn and apply meaningful solutions together in a somewhat relatively short period of time. Seeing that change, experiencing those “a-ha!” moments with the clients, or even just hearing clients quietly say, “Wow, it’s happening!” – those are the best things about working with Gobel’s clients. - What do you find most rewarding about your work?
I enjoy helping people, especially helping people move forward, even if it’s just by implementing a very small change in a process that makes my clients’ lives a little easier. It’s rewarding to be someone who can help others feel more confident in their role, and who helps them to understand our programs. - What are a few personal details you could share?
I participated in sports from a young age through college – that’s why I’ll sometimes make sports-related metaphors. I live in Florida with my wonderful and incredibly supportive husband and my amazing four-year-old son. I am also fortunate to have a loving stepdaughter who is married and lives in New York. As far as hobbies go, I seem to have stayed in sports and fitness throughout the years. Right now, it’s mostly rollerblading and yoga. My family enjoys going to the beach and exploring all the exciting nature spots that Florida has to offer. We usually spend our summers in New York, in the Adirondacks, where we also run an Airbnb.
