Search
Search

Executive Brief

Senior Director of Development, University Athletics
Loyola Marymount University

About the University: Loyola Marymount

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.

Please visit Mission and Ministry to view the full Mission Statement.

Giving at LMU

Under the leadership of Peter Wilch, Senior Vice President for Advancement, Loyola Marymount University’s Office of Advancement builds meaningful connections with alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of the university. Philanthropic support is essential to LMU’s success, helping to attract exceptional students, strengthen academic programs, recruit and retain outstanding faculty, and expand opportunities for groundbreaking research.

LMU Giving – 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.

Loyola Marymount University Athletics

Loyola Marymount University Athletics – the LMU Lions – fields 14 varsity sports teams across men’s and women’s athletics, all committed to fostering student-athlete development on and off the field. Over the past two decades the LMU Lions have claimed 35 of their overall 48 conference championships, and 45 of their 67 NCAA postseason appearances. Many LMU student-athletes have advanced to the next level in their respective sports by competing in professional leagues and the Olympics. 

LMU Athletics aligns with the university’s mission, emphasizing academic excellence, student-centered development, ethical conduct, and community engagement. The department is guided by a vision of athleticism that complements the institution’s broader Jesuit values, supporting the development of whole persons.

LMU Athletics – Leadership Spotlight

Craig Pintens – Athletic Director

Craig Pintens
Athletic Director

In the fall of 2025, Craig Pintens will begin his eighth full academic year as Loyola Marymount University's Athletic Director. Pintens was formally introduced as Athletic Director in June 2018, bringing leadership experience from national championship-winning programs.

Since being named Athletic Director, Pintens has revitalized LMU Athletics through one of the most successful periods competitively in its history by hiring more than half of the current head coaches while restructuring the senior management team, renovating facilities, and establishing record-breaking fundraising numbers.

Athletic Success

With a concentration on national success, the Lions have finished in the top twenty in the Learfield Directors' Cup Final Standings among Division I-AAA schools in each of the years' standings recorded, highlighted by a 9th place finish in Division I-AAA in 2021-2022, the best in school history. Since 2018, LMU Athletics has significantly increased its presence in the NCAA post-season, with sixteen appearances by eight different teams. Five times, teams have advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals, including four straight Quarterfinal appearances by beach volleyball from 2019-2024 and a Quarterfinal appearance by men’s soccer. The Lions have also excelled in the regular season, winning twelve championships under Pintens. Notably, 10 of the 14 sports have either won a conference title or participated in the NCAA post-season.

LMU is currently the largest hockey program in California, with three competitive teams and over 60 student-athletes — including the state’s first-ever ACHA women’s team.

Director's Cup Standings Under Pintens

 

Academic Success

The current athletic department cumulative GPA is 3.384, with every team accumulating a team GPA of over 3.00 for the first time in the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021. The graduation success rate (GSR) of 95 percent ranks five percentage points above the national average.

Record Fundraising

Fundraising has achieved unprecedented heights, with the three highest years ever happening in FY21, FY22, and FY23, with each year surpassing the $5M mark. More than $5.4M was raised in the most recent year to support scholarships, facility renovation, and competitive opportunities. The high water mark occurred in FY22, with more than $5.82M raised.

LMU Athletics has thrived on the annual Day of Giving, earning over $600,000 in back-to-back years and the highest total in FY22, $647, 416, a 43.7 percent increase over the previous year, thanks to 1, 550 gifts.

LMU is a leader among Division I-AAA schools in NIL, generating significant opportunities through its collective, Magis Lions. In the fall of 2023, LMU became one of the first schools to establish a General Manager position through Altius Sports Partners.

Hiring and Retaining Coaches

Pintens has hired 10 of the 14 head coaches currently at LMU. During Pintens' tenure, head coaches have been recognized ten times as WCC Coach of the Year. In March 2020, he selected Stan Johnson as LMU's new men's basketball coach, which has put LMU on the best trajectory since the historic 1989-90 season. In his first season as head coach, Johnson guided his team through the COVID-19 pandemic and posted a winning record in the WCC for the first time since 2011-12. LMU's 95 ranking in Johnson's first year is the highest NET (or RPI at that time) since the Elite Eight season of 1990. Johnson followed that up with a fourth-place finish and the second-best NET/RPI ever in his third season (2022-23).

Enhanced Facilities

LMU Athletics' infrastructure continues to change under Pintens. In the Spring of 2024, ground was broken on a major renovation of Gersten Pavilion, which will include an expanded Academic Success Center and new office space for the basketball programs. Gersten Pavilion has undergone multiple renovations, including enhanced locker rooms and training area, new floor design, lighting, seating, new lobby entrance, spirit shop, and comprehensive rebranding. In addition, Page Stadium (baseball), Smith Field (softball), Sullivan Field (soccer), Aquatics, Tennis, the Chad and Ginni Dreier weight room, the training room, Lions Athletic Center, and the Burns Back Court Practice Gym have been completely renovated and rebranded.

In addition, lights have been installed at Smith Field and the Aquatics facility. In the spring of 2023, LMU opened its first new competition venue since 2006 with a four-court beach volleyball facility just outside Burns Recreation Center.

Before LMU

Pintens came to LMU from the University of Oregon, where he served as senior associate athletic director for seven years. In that role, he helped lead Oregon's athletic programs to tremendous success in competition, as Oregon won 17 national championships. He transformed the fan experience, strategic planning processes, athletics operations, promotions, and fundraising while overseeing the marketing and communications departments. Prior to his tenure at Oregon, Pintens worked in the athletic departments at Louisiana State University, Marquette University, and the University of Texas-Pan American. As Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing at LSU, Pintens implemented strategic ticket sales plans, leading to record ticket sales and attendance numbers while developing a social media strategy that led to one of the most prominent social media imprints in college athletics.

At Marquette, he established attendance and revenue records in both men's and women's basketball, ranking in the top ten nationally in men's basketball attendance. At the University of Texas-Pan American, he managed sales, promotions, and game-day operations; and successfully negotiated the university's first Spanish radio broadcast deal.

Pintens is an accomplished public speaker who has appeared at conferences throughout the country. The National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators has honored him with over 40 awards in season ticket campaigns, advertising, ticket sales, new media, video, and corporate sponsorship.

Pintens is also a member of the Wisconsin Bar; he earned his Juris Doctor from Marquette University School of Law and his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing cum laude from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater.

Family

Pintens is married to Jill, and they have four children: Kaitlin (LMU '26), Jackson, Tate, and Avery.

The Opportunity: Senior Director of Development, University Athletics

Loyola Marymount University - Senior DoD, University Athletics - Job Description (PDF Download)

Position Summary

Serving as the lead development officer for University Athletics, the Senior Director of Development, University Athletics is charged with creating and implementing a comprehensive development program to engage and solicit alumni, parents, friends, community members, business and civic leaders to achieve the development goals for University Athletics. The Sr. Director of Development is personally responsible for soliciting and closing major gifts of $100,000 or more. As the University Advancement content expert on Athletics, this position is responsible for educating and collaborating with all University Advancement development colleagues regarding funding opportunities within University Athletics. This position will serve on the Athletics senior leadership team.

The Role and Responsibilities

Position Specific Responsibilities:
  • In partnership with UA leadership, design and implement a comprehensive development plan to increase philanthropic support for funding priorities established by the Athletic Director. Focus on strategically identifying, engaging, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts of $100,000 or more, and on stewarding donors to University Athletics. 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, with a goal of having 30-40 prospects in the solicitation phase of the donor cycle at any given time. Annually execute at least 150 face-to-face visits and present 20+ proposals, with an expectation of escalating philanthropic goals.
     
  • Develop effective fundraising strategies in coordination and collaboration with the Athletic Director and other members of the University Advancement team. Collaborate with all University Advancement partners including other unit-based development officers, Annual Giving & Annual Leadership Giving, Parent Giving, Principal Gifts,  Corporate and Foundation Relations, Planned Giving, Advancement Information Services and Special Events to achieve annual and campaign development goals. Strategically coordinate strategies for major gift solicitations with University Advancement partners. Actively involve the Athletic Director, Athletics staff, and key volunteers in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation process as appropriate.
     
  • Develop and manage a portfolio of approximately 100-125 major gift prospects for the purposes of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
     
  • In partnership with University Advancement leadership and Athletic Director, establish annual qualitative and quantitative goals, objectives and key accountabilities in order to increase donors and dollars raised for University Athletics. Prepare and deliver annual work plans.
     
  • Work collaboratively with members of the Athletics and Marketing & Communications staff who provide support to University Athletics development efforts in the areas of communications, partnerships, outreach, and scholarship selection. Ensure that the awarding and reporting of scholarships and other gifts is completed accurately and appropriately.
     
  • In collaboration with University Advancement leadership, forecast and manage the development budget assigned to this position.

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:
  • Typically a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. Master’s degree preferred. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes.
     
  • Minimum five to seven years’ experience in development or a related field, preferably in a university athletics development program. A track record that demonstrates solid fundraising results and demonstrated success soliciting and closing major gifts. This includes the ability to plan, organize and implement fundraising activities effectively, as well as 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. Ability to effectively communicate the vision, values, and mission of Loyola Marymount University, while capturing the interest of the prospect.
     
  • 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 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 have knowledge of 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.

Applications & Nominations

Loyola Marymount University has partnered with Boyden. For more information about this opportunity or to submit a cover letter and resume, please email:

Lisa Vuona
Managing Partner, Boston
lvuona@boyden.com
LinkedIn

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
Principal, Boston
bparsons@boyden.com
LinkedIn

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
Executive Search Consultant, Boston
leslie.smith@boyden.com
LinkedIn

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.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more