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.
LMU's Day of Giving is an annual, one-day online fundraising event hosted to inspire alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends to donate to any area or areas of LMU that are meaningful to them. And -- by leveraging the many matches and challenges that will be made available throughout the day -- increase the size of their gift and their impact. LMU's 2025 Day of Giving resulted in over $1.85 million raised through 2,683 generous donors.
Leadership Spotlight
Emily VanderLinden - Director, Annual Giving
Emily VanderLinden
Director, Annual Giving
Emily VanderLinden joined University Advancement in 2024 as director of annual giving. She focuses on cultivating annual support from alumni, parents, and friends through a variety of channels including direct mail, email, and digital platforms.
VanderLinden brings over 6 years of experience in higher education philanthropy. Before coming to LMU, she developed and managed a comprehensive annual giving plan at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, leading to two consecutive record-breaking years for the St. Norbert Fund. She also served as an advancement officer at Marquette University in Milwaukee, introducing the department’s first texting initiative. VanderLinden earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. In her free time, she enjoys watching as many movies as possible, trying new cuisines, and spending time with her cat, Millie.
The Opportunity: Assistant Director, Annual Giving (Reunion Giving)
The Assistant Director of Reunion Giving plays a crucial role in the University’s fundraising efforts by managing and enhancing reunion giving programs. Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving, this position is responsible for developing and executing strategies to engage alumni, increase participation, and maximize philanthropic support during reunion cycles.
Working closely with colleagues in Alumni and Family Engagement, the Assistant Director leads and manages volunteer alumni through class reunions to produce effective annual giving reunion solicitations.
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.
Responsibilities and Qualifications
Position Specific Responsibilities:
Develop and implement comprehensive reunion giving strategies to engage alumni and encourage philanthropic support during reunion cycles. Set goals and develop class-specific fundraising plans.
Identify, recruit, train, and manage class leadership and reunion volunteers to support fundraising efforts and alumni engagement. Support reunion volunteers by providing information, offering coaching, and motivating alumni to inspire their classmates to support LMU on the occasion of their class reunion.
Strategically plan events and programs in support of fundraising activities and partner closely with Alumni and Family Engagement to align the reunion giving strategies with reunion events and celebrations.
Monitor and analyze reunion giving data to assess program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree required in a relevant field and/or 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, or a related field, preferably in a higher education setting.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage diverse alumni populations.
Demonstrated ability to design, direct, and manage significant program initiatives.
Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with accuracy.
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.
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. Please read more about LMU’s commitments and efforts at (https://resources.lmu.edu/officeofinterculturalaffairs/).
Applications & Nominations
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.
Contact Information
To explore this opportunity further, please send your resume in confidence to:
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.
Loyola Marymount University - Assistant Director, Annual Giving (Reunion Giving) - Job Description (PDF Download)
