Sonja Dunphy

Managing Director

JOINED THE COMPANY
In 2004 for seven years and I re-joined in 2015.

RELEVANT INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
I have been with Richmond Associates for over 13 years, firstly in our operations management and subsequently on our executive search team when I re-joined the company in 2015. I’ve since had the privilege of supporting a variety of exceptional organisations across the cultural, education and non-profit arena, and talented fundraising and advancement professionals find a match with each other.

In between, I spent time in the education sector, firstly with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s Europe office and then with the Rhodes Trust, building my advancement experience, which I now enjoy using to better understanding the challenges and opportunities that our clients and candidates face. This unique insight helps us to identify and encourage brilliant individuals, including those who are keen to bring transferrable skills into a career in philanthropic fundraising.

After 10 years of working closely together, in 2018 Moyra Brown (Doyle), stepped back from Richmond Associates to explore her interest in executive coaching and handed the baton on to me. Since then, I have continued our work across Europe and expanded the business to Asia.

I have a background in science with a Bachelor’s degree in Pathobiology, a mixed Asian and European heritage, and am interested in what makes people tick. I’m serious about our work but light about myself, and getting to combine these in an authentic way is what makes Richmond Associates special to me.

WHAT BRINGS ME JOY
Professionally
Through finding and facilitating great matches between excellent individuals and non-profit organisations doing amazing work, knowing that we’re doing good in the world and helping to change lives in a positive way, brings me great joy. I also feel lucky to work with a tribe of people who are committed to, and care about, what we do and support each other.

Personally
My family and friends keep me going, as does great food, live music, travelling, and being by or in the ocean.

Key Team Members