Founded in 1911, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is a top-ranked national university rooted in the Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount traditions. LMU is committed to fostering a diverse academic community rich in opportunity for intellectual engagement and real-world experience. LMU enrolls an academically ambitious, multicultural, and socioeconomically diverse student body. The university recruits, retains and supports a diverse faculty committed to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and creativity. LMU's three campuses are rooted in the heart of Los Angeles, a global capital for arts and entertainment, innovation and technology, business and entrepreneurship.
LMU's Mission:
Loyola Marymount University offers rigorous undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to academically ambitious students committed to lives of meaning and purpose. LMU benefits from their location in Los Angeles, a dynamic city that brings into sharp focus the issues of our time and provides an ideal context for study, research, creative work, and active engagement. By intention and philosophy, LMU invites men and women diverse in talents, interests, and cultural backgrounds to enrich their educational community and advance their mission:
The encouragement of learning
The education of the whole person
The service of faith and the promotion of justice
The University is institutionally committed to Roman Catholicism and takes its fundamental inspiration from the combined heritage of the Jesuits, the Marymount Sisters, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. This Catholic identity and religious heritage distinguish LMU from other universities and provide touchstones for understanding our threefold mission.
Led by Senior Vice President for Advancement, Peter Wilch, Loyola Marymount University's Office of Advancement engages alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends. The impact of philanthropic support is critical to attracting exceptional students, strengthening academic programs, recruiting outstanding faculty, and increasing research opportunities.
Leadership Spotlight
Jeanie Kim - Vice President of Development
Jeanie Kim
Vice President of Development
Jeanie Kim joined University Advancement in 2024 and brings more than 20 years of fundraising experience at institutions including Princeton University, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Los Angeles Philharmonic. Jeanie also served as director of literary programs at Lannan Foundation. In her current role, Kim is responsible for overseeing a team of development professionals who lead fundraising efforts for LMU’s various colleges and programs. Kim holds a bachelor of arts in English from UCLA.
The Opportunity: Director of Development, Major Gifts
The Director of Development (DoD) is charged with creating and implementing a major and principal gift development plan to identify, cultivate, engage, solicit and steward alumni, parents, friends, community members, business and civic leaders to support University priorities. The Director of Development is personally responsible for soliciting and closing major and principal gifts of $100,000 or more. The DoD is responsible for collaborating with all University Advancement development colleagues, especially the unit-based DODs, Executive Directors, and the VP, regarding funding opportunities within the units.
LMU believes that diversity and excellence go hand-in-hand, therefore seeking to hire individuals who have a significant potential for cultural contribution in the workplace and a commitment to working effectively with colleagues and donors from diverse backgrounds.
The Role and Responsibilities
Position Specific Responsibilities:
Design and implement a comprehensive development plan to increase philanthropic support for funding priorities established by University Advancement Leadership. Focus on strategically identifying, engaging, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major and principal gifts of $100,000 or more and stewarding major- and principal-level donors. Achieve annual and campaign development goals. In collaboration with Prospect Management and Research, build, develop and manage a portfolio of 100-125 major and principal gift prospects, to have 30-40 prospects in the solicitation phase of the donor cycle at any given time. Execute at least 150 meaningful engagements and present 24+ proposals per year, expecting to escalate philanthropic goals.
Develop effective fundraising strategies in coordination and collaboration with the University Advancement leadership team. Collaborate with all University Advancement partners, including unit-based and centralized development officers, Annual Giving & Annual Leadership Giving, Parent Giving, Principal Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Gift Planning, Advancement Information Services, and Special Events to achieve annual and campaign development goals. Strategically coordinate strategies for major and principal gift solicitations with University Advancement partners. Actively involve the University leadership, department heads, faculty, and key volunteers in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation process as appropriate.
In partnership with University Advancement leadership, establish annual qualitative and quantitative goals, objectives, and key accountabilities to increase donors and dollars raised for the units. Prepare and deliver annual written plans.
In collaboration with University Advancement leadership, forecast and manage the development budget assigned to this position.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet University priorities.
Loyola Marymount University Expectations
Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.
Requisite Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. The incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes. LMU is seeking professionals with varied backgrounds, abilities, experiences, thoughts, and ideas.
Minimum five years’ experience in development or a related field, preferably in higher education. A track record that demonstrates solid fundraising results and demonstrated success soliciting and closing major gifts. The ability to plan, organize, and implement fundraising activities effectively and participate in high-level individual, corporate, and/or foundation solicitations—experience in promoting and coordinating the involvement of volunteers. Experience should be in progressively responsible positions.
Demonstrated ability to set priorities, coordinate multiple projects and personally ask and close gifts. Willingness to travel and work occasional weekend/evening hours. Deal effectively and comfortably with high-level donor prospects—a high-energy, goal-oriented worker who is well organized and personable. Utilize a creative approach to fundraising projects. Effectively communicate the vision, values, and mission of Loyola Marymount University while capturing the prospect’s interest.
Demonstrated successful experience working with boards comprising prominent corporate and community volunteers and alumni.
Ability to collaborate with colleagues across multiple areas (i.e., academics, communications, business and finance, administration, government and community relations, external partnerships) to bring projects to completion successfully.
Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral) evidenced by a background in preparing comprehensive reports and executive summaries incorporating complex, highly technical information.
Highly-developed organizational and leadership skills.
Demonstrated computer competency in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and preferably know Advance or other comparable fundraising systems.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
LMU's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state, and local law. LMU invites all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experiences, and beliefs to apply. Click here to read more about LMU’s commitments and efforts.
Applications & Nominations
Loyola Marymount University has partnered with Boyden Executive Search. For more information about this opportunity or to submit a cover letter and resume, please email:
Lisa Vuona has decades of experience in executive search and human resource management, primarily in the non-profit, healthcare and education sectors. She is distinguished by her track record and network, and by her approach, which combines the strategic power of data with a finely tuned ability to understand the client’s organization and identify high-caliber leaders who fit the culture.
Beth Parsons specializes in the education and non-profit sectors, having held fundraising and leadership roles in prominent educational and social impact organizations for nearly 20 years. She partners with clients to develop search strategies on the basis of organizational needs and core values. Her extensive advancement network serves as a source of high-impact talent.
Leslie Smith has helped numerous individuals and organizations achieve their goals. She works with non-profits and educational institutions, helping to define leadership needs and connecting them with the right talent. Along with extensive knowledge of the non-profit sector, she has a passion for strengthening mission-driven organizations and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Don’t check off all the boxes or meet every single requirement? We have learned that potential candidates hesitate when applying for a job unless they meet every single requirement. Boyden Boston is dedicated to inclusivity and valuing diversity and equity in the workplace. If this opportunity excites you, but your background may not be a perfect match, we still encourage you to apply.
Loyola Marymount University - Director of Development, Major Gifts - Job Description (PDF Download)
