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.
Salvador Rivas - Executive Director of Philanthropic Partnerships
Salvador Rivas
Executive Director of Philanthropic Partnerships
Salvador Rivas joined University Advancement as associate vice president in 2022. With more than fifteen years of fundraising success, Rivas served on the leadership team for the division with initial oversight of leadership giving, alumni and family engagement, and was the liaison for advancement communications. In 2024, he transitioned to oversee the Corporate & Foundation Philanthropy team.
Before joining LMU, he served as assistant vice president for development at Pomona College, where he managed four fundraising teams that included major gifts, family giving, foundation and corporate relations, and leadership annual and reunion giving. Rivas comes to LMU with private and public university fundraising experience including UC Irvine, USC, and UCLA, and has participated in the planning and execution of multiple campaigns.
Rivas earned his B.A. from California Polytechnic State University, his M.A. in leadership studies from University of San Diego, and an Ed.D. in higher education administration from USC. He lives in the South Bay with his wife and three daughters.
The Opportunity: Grant Writer, Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy
Reporting to University Advancement’s Executive Director of Philanthropic Partnerships (EDOD PP), who oversees the office of Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy (CFP), the Grant Writer will assist the Executive Director and CFP staff to maximize LMU’s ability to raise support from corporations and foundations for the strategic priorities of the university. The Grant Writer is responsible for producing solicitations and stewardship reports for CFP to help increase and maintain dollars raised, as assigned by the Executive Director.
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:
As directed, and independently or in collaboration with faculty/staff, research, prepare, write, edit, and submit grant solicitations to foundations and corporations including, but not limited to concept papers, letters of inquiry, full grant proposals, and associated documents.
Preparation and completion/submission of required reports on existing grants by funder deadlines, including writing and editing, in coordination with PIs/staff.
Coordinate with academic leadership, faculty, and staff to obtain appropriate information for proposals and reports.
Research and identify prospective foundation and corporate funders.
Perform other duties and support special projects as assigned or requested.
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.
Preferred Qualifications:
Minimum five to seven years’ experience in development. Possess a track record that demonstrates solid fundraising results and success soliciting and closing major gifts. Experience should be in progressively responsible positions.
Typically a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing, English, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or related field or equivalent experience. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes.
Minimum 5 years’ experience as a grant writer, preferably in higher education.
Exemplary written and oral communication skills and the ability to articulate a compelling case for major philanthropic support of programs, present institutional objectives persuasively, and translate academic and scientific concepts into compelling fundraising proposals. Ability to effectively communicate the needs of the university to prospective funders in solicitations. Background in preparing comprehensive, complex reports.
Experience in, and knowledge of, fundraising in a higher education environment desirable. Familiarity with the practices and norms of foundation-related fundraising preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of fundraising, institutional support, and business communication.
Demonstrated success in managing multiple projects simultaneously with high degree of attention to detail.
Exceptional planning and organizing skills. Ability to meet ongoing proposal and report deadlines and quick turnarounds and manage frequent periods of high volume.
Excellent interpersonal skills required to coordinate with other departments and maintain open lines of communication.
Maintain confidentiality of records and correspondence.
Excellent research skills.
Strong computer skills for use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and conducting internet research.
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 - Grant Writer, CFP - Job Description (PDF Download)
