Executive Brief

Director of Charitable Gift Planning
Loyola University Maryland

The Organization: Loyola University Maryland

Loyola University Maryland is a Jesuit, Catholic university committed to the educational and spiritual traditions of the Society of Jesus and the development of the whole person. Accordingly, Loyola inspires students to learn, lead, and serve in a diverse and changing world. Loyola’s beautiful, historic Evergreen campus is located in Baltimore, MD. Loyola enrolls 4,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students across the Sellinger School of Business and Management, the School of Education, and Loyola College of Arts and Sciences. Founded in 1852, Loyola is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States and the first to bear the name of Saint Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus.

At Loyola, the ideals that have guided Jesuit universities for nearly 500 years—academic excellence, care for the whole person, service, justice, diversity, and integrity—among others, continue to mold the academic, social, and spiritual experiences offered to students, programs pursued, and relationships built within the surrounding communities. 

The benefits of Loyola’s Jesuit, liberal arts experience lead to a life-long approach of learning and questioning and critical analysis that prepare Loyola's alumni for—and set them apart in—the workforce and the world.  

Loyola's Advancement Department

Loyola's Advancement division invests in opportunities that reaffirm the University's commitment to Jesuit values, that further afford exceptional academic programs, that better prepare students for today's complex challenges, and that strengthen the University's impact and national prominence.

The giving priorities that make up the Advancement department include allocating scholarships & financial aid, advocating for justice through shared visions, and implementing their student success fund

One prominent initiative hosted by the Advancement department was the Bright Minds, Bold Hearts campaign. Through this $100 million campaign, donors added $50 million to the University’s endowment, created 115 new scholarships, increased the funding of 55 existing scholarships, enhanced athletic facilities, and strengthened Loyola’s academic experience, including through peace and justice studies, global studies, and Messina. They supported the mission and ministry of the University, and they invested in the local community, bringing the York Road Initiative to life.

Loyola Fundraising Facts:
  • Last FY, Advancement raised $12.3MM in philanthropy. Last year, $300K was raised in planned gifts and outright bequests.
     
  • Advancement's last campaign was 6/1/11 – 5/31/18 and raised $100MM with 30% of the funds coming from planned gifts and outright bequests.
     
  • In the six years since the last campaign, Advancement has averaged $2MM in planned gifts and outright bequests.

Loyola's Advancement Leadership Spotlights

Brian M. Oakes - Vice President for Advancement

Brian M. Oakes
Vice President for Advancement 


Brian M. Oakes serves as the Vice President for Advancement at Loyola University Maryland, where he leads the university’s fundraising, alumni relations, marketing and communications, and external relations efforts. With a distinguished career in institutional advancement, Brian brings over 20 years of experience in cultivating donor relationships, securing major gifts, and driving successful capital campaigns. His leadership has been instrumental in enhancing Loyola’s financial resources, expanding scholarship opportunities, and supporting key campus initiatives.

A double alumnus of Loyola University Maryland, Brian is deeply committed to the university’s Jesuit mission and values. His strategic approach to development focuses on building strong connections between the institution and its alumni, parents, and friends, ensuring a shared vision for Loyola’s future. Under his leadership, the Advancement division has strengthened its engagement efforts, resulting in increased philanthropic support and a growing endowment.

Brian is known for his expertise in major gift solicitation, campaign strategy, and donor stewardship. His passion for higher education and his commitment to Loyola’s mission drive his efforts to advance the university’s goals and provide transformative opportunities for students. In his role, he continues to play a key part in ensuring Loyola’s long-term success and impact on the local and global communities it serves.

Prior to his 20-year career at Loyola, Brian served as the lead fundraiser at Easter Seals of Southeastern Pennsylvania.  He lives in Baltimore with his wife and children.  In his spare time, Brian enjoys the peace and calm that can only come with having four wonderful children between 16 and 7 years old.  He and his wife enjoy hiking, camping, and entertaining family and friends.

Mary Lineburger - Assistant Vice President for Major Gifts

Mary Lineburger
Assistant Vice President for Major Gifts 


Mary Lineburger has more than twenty years of experience in advancement and higher education, specifically in fundraising and external relations. She currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Major Gifts at Loyola University Maryland. In this capacity, Mary leads major gift initiatives, cultivates key donor relationships, and supports the University’s strategic fundraising goals.

Before joining Loyola, Mary was the Executive Director of Alumni Relations at Fuller Theological Seminary, where she strengthened alumni engagement and spearheaded initiatives that connected alumni with the seminary's evolving vision. She also held the position of Director of Institutional Advancement at Sierra Canyon School, where she managed fundraising, community relations, and strategic development for the independent school in Los Angeles.

She served as the Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at Franklin & Marshall College, where she advanced the college’s alumni engagement efforts and annual fund programs. Her development career also includes her role as the Director of Development at Purdue University Krannert School of Management and positions in alumni engagement and parent fundraising at American University.

Mary earned her Master of Arts in Public Communication from American University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from Loyola University Maryland.

The Opportunity: Director of Charitable Gift Planning

Loyola University Maryland - Director of Charitable Gift Planning - Job Description (PDF Download)

Position Summary

Loyola University Maryland’s office of Advancement seeks a Full-Time, Director, Charitable Gift Planning to lead the overall planned giving fundraising effort on behalf of the University. The Director will report to the Assistant Vice President, Major Gifts, and work closely with the Vice President, major gift officers and University leadership to identify, cultivate and secure planned gifts from individuals, matching donor intent with University initiatives.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

Responsibilities:
  • Provide strategic leadership and direction for planned giving marketing and fundraising efforts, by developing an annual plan for the office, as well as a campaign plan for the next capital campaign. Work with the Vice President, Assistant Vice President and Advancement colleagues to develop the overall planned giving program.
     
  • Oversee development of planned giving materials for the Jenkins Society (the University’s group of planned giving donors), and work with Donor Engagement on planned giving stewardship.
     
  • Work with University counsel on planned giving matters and serve as chair of the University Gift Acceptance Committee. Work with volunteers and the financial planning community on seminars, advice, and additional programming to engage alumni and prospects.  In collaboration with the University’s Controller, an outside vendor, and the director of Advancement Services, complete various state fundraising license documents on a yearly basis.
     
  • Maintain professional expertise through professional groups, conferences and webinars; stay abreast of current trends and changes in tax codes that impact individual planned giving and provide updates of such to the Advancement team.
     
  • Collaborate with the Director of Alumni Engagement to develop and implement a planned giving initiative for Loyola's senior alumni, including, but not limited to, the 50-year reunion class each, Golden Greyhound Dinner Dance, First Friday Mass, additional senior alumni events and activities.
     
  • Provide leadership to direct reports including full cycle performance management. 
Qualifications:
  • Education Requirements:  Bachelor’s degree.
     
  • Experience Requirements: 5-8 years of experience in planned giving, major giving, or equivalent.

Successful candidates for any staff, faculty, or administrative position at Loyola University Maryland will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Note: Experience and/or education may be substituted for requirements.

Diversity Statement

Loyola University Maryland strongly values the benefits that diversity brings to the workplace. In accord with its Ignatian values, the University is committed to creating and promoting a community that recognizes the inherent value and dignity of each person. Loyola University Maryland does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, or any other legally protected classification. The University recruits, hires, and promotes in accord with this policy and its Core Values.

Applications & Nominations

Loyola University Maryland has partnered with Boyden Executive Search. 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.

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.

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