Who We Are

The School of Education (SOE) at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), a Carnegie-classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants for a clinical faculty position in Catholic Education who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence and the building of a just society.

LMU is federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and is recognized by the State of California as a Black-Serving Institution (BSI). These designations reflect the university's continuing commitment to supporting student success, belonging, and thriving within a diverse academic community.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Dean of the School of Education (SOE), the Director provides strategic leadership and oversees all operational and financial aspects of the organization while advancing its mission and strategic plan. The Director will have a Clinical Faculty appointment in the Department that best fits their qualifications, rank commensurate with higher education teaching experience. They build relationships with external partners and funders to ensure the unit’s economic independence and sustainability. They will create and support an inclusive, collaborative organizational culture and cultivate conditions for thriving and innovation.

The Center Summary

The Center is a self-funded unit of the School of Education, established to promote and support a rich tradition of Catholic education through professional preparation, research, and programs. The Center is a leader in innovation and creative solutions to problems of practice and governance in Catholic education. The Center serves as a scholarly and professional thought partner for Catholic schools and supporting organizations in Southern California and beyond. It brings together a broad range of successful programs for the preparation and development of educators and leaders in the School of Education.

Appointment Type and Details

The position is a one and a half-year appointment starting in Spring 2026 though academic year 2027-2028. This is a clinical faculty appointment with Director responsibilities. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Education or a closely related field before the position start date of January 2027. This is a term position for which annual renewal is contingent on the programmatic and budgetary needs of the School of Education.

Position Specific Accountabilities/ Responsibilities

• Innovate and establish strategic direction for the Center in alignment with the SOE and LMU strategic visions.

• In collaboration with University Advancement, they lead fundraising strategy and efforts for the Center and SOE programs related to Catholic Education.

• Responsible for generating revenue to independently sustain the Center. Steward and manage all resources, including revenue, personnel, and budgets.

• They oversee the design and maintenance of academic programs for the preparation and ongoing professional development of Catholic teachers and Catholic school leaders. The Director collaborates and coordinates with the division of Mission and Ministry and SOE faculty, archdioceses, Catholic schools, and other partners to design and grow mutually beneficial programs.

• Represents the Center and SOE in relevant university, local, regional, and national organizations and convenings, including the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) and AERA Catholic Education SIG, committees of the local archdiocese and dioceses in Southern California, and other local Catholic schools.

• Establishes and guides the implementation of the communication strategy and plans and engagement of alumni and partners, in collaboration with relevant LMU units.

• Establishes and implements the research agenda for the Center.

• Teach courses in SOE programs as needed and appropriate.

• Oversees all operational functions of the Center, including the Center Advisory Board, evaluation and assessment activities, program development, progress reports, events, and fundraising.

• Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities to stay abreast of best practices and internal and external regulatory/policy changes.

• Perform other duties 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.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of successful experience in Catholic education, including at least 3 years in administrative or leadership experience.
• Minimum 2 years of successful teaching experience in higher education
• Experience with budget management and personnel supervision.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and/or grant-making.
• Understanding and appreciation of the Jesuit and Marymount traditions and charisms, and the Catholic identity of the university
• Prior experience in designing and leading professional learning program development and implementation.
• Have deep knowledge of and experience in applying cutting-edge and relevant research to educator preparation and professional learning curriculum
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills to relate well with all constituents, e.g., community and civic leaders, faculty and staff, and to represent effectively and accurately the needs of the University to constituents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recognized thought leader in Catholic education, keen to partner with schools to co-design solutions to problems of practice grounded in up-to-date research
• A track record of research publications in a related research area
• Demonstrated innovative frame of mind, poised to initiate new models of educator and leader preparation and professional development
• Expert knowledge and a desire to stay current on emerging trends, current research, and best practices in K-12 instruction, learning science, student success, teacher education, school leadership, and Catholic formation in schools

How To Apply

The application deadline is September 25, 2026. Questions regarding this position may be directed to Franca Dell'Olio, Associate Dean for Faculty & Academic Programs, at [email protected].

The following application materials must be submitted online through the LMU Employment website:

• Cover letter addressing required and preferred qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae
• 3 Reference Letters from colleagues who can attest to applicant’s qualifications and Experiences

Preliminary interviews will be conducted via Zoom and are anticipated in October 2026.

Only electronic applications submitted through the LMU employment portal will be considered. Note: Workday allows a maximum of five uploaded documents (5 MB each).

Across their application materials, candidates should address their commitment to and any past and/or potential contributions to advancing LMU's mission and promoting the success, sense of belonging, and thriving of students from a variety of lived experiences. Candidates may address these commitments in relation to their scholarship, teaching, mentorship, advising, and/or service, as appropriate to their experiences and future goals. Relevant examples may include fostering inclusive and accessible learning environments, supporting equitable educational outcomes, engaging multiple perspectives and ways of knowing, mentoring students from varied backgrounds, or pursuing scholarship and service that contributes to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, justice, and/or accessibility.

LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. Visit www.lmu.edu for more information. 

Reasonable expected salary range: $91,500 to $135,500. Hiring salary will be commensurate with job related qualifications, experience, knowledge, and skills.

#HERC# #HEJ#

Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

LMU is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities and ensuring a comprehensive recruitment and selection process for all applicants.

Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the application, interview, or selection process may contact Human Resources at [email protected] or by phone at (310) 338-2723. Applicants who use relay services or other assistive communication technologies are welcome to utilize those services when contacting Human Resources.

When contacting Human Resources, please include the job posting number, title of the position and department for which you are applying. Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of a disability or provide medical information when requesting an accommodation during the recruitment process.

LMU will work with applicants in a timely and interactive process to identify and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable federal and state law.