Associate Vice President, Principal Gifts and Strategic Initiatives / Development Office

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the world’s most respected centers devoted exclusively to cancer patient care, research, education and prevention.  The mission of MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public. Through our core values of caring, integrity and discovery we are Making Cancer History®.

In preparation of our largest philanthropic campaign to date, MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking an Associate Vice President for Principal Gifts and Strategic Initiatives. With the newly created Principal Gifts program, the role of the Associate Vice President will be to lead and execute on Principal Gifts strategies to secure transformational gifts for institutional initiatives of the highest value and priority. Reporting to the Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer and serving as a member of the Development Office Senior Leadership Team, the Associate Vice President will convene and partner with key internal and external stakeholders and advise the development and execution of coordinated strategies aimed to maximize the lifetime engagement and philanthropic support of MD Anderson’s most affluent prospective and current donors.

The Associate Vice President will facilitate the implementation of planning and cultivation strategies for constituents and stakeholders for the purpose of securing philanthropic gifts of $10 million and more.  Through a partnership with development teams, this individual will foster connections and support the formation of new and established relationships with top-tier, high net-worth donors and prospective donors to secure eight and nine-figure Principal Gifts in support of MD Anderson’s highest priorities. The Associate Vice President will pursue growth and sustainability of the program by partnering with faculty and institutional leadership as well as activating MD Anderson’s network of committed Board of Visitors in collaboration with peers, major gifts officers and planned giving officers, donors, grateful patients and volunteers to engage individuals in gifts of significance for the institution’s initiatives.

• Ten years of professional experience, to include significant experience in Principal Gifts fundraising preferably in a medical center, higher education organization with a research component or a scientific research institute  
• Relevant frontline development experience required
• Demonstrated effective and motivational leadership in leading multiple teams towards a common goal and a track record of demonstrating tact and diplomacy in communications with a wide variety of personalities, as well as curiosity and a sense of humor
• Preferred verifiable record of accomplishment of $50 million + personally attributable charitable gifts closed
• Deep understanding of individual philanthropy, the philanthropic process and complex giving structures, and the ability to repeatedly secure eight- and nine- figure gifts
• Track record of expanding donor participation in giving efforts and expertise in working with high-level giving constituencies
• Extensive experience working with executive leadership teams, senior campaign/board members and fellow development professionals and preferable faculty
• Mastery of strategic campaign techniques and other campaign tools
• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred
• Professional fundraising certification preferred
• Willingness to travel as well as work some nights and weekends

TOBACCO-FREE HIRING

MD Anderson Cancer Center is committed to encouraging good health and staying true to our mission to end cancer.  As part of its efforts to achieve these goals of a tobacco-free hiring process, if you are offered a position at MD Anderson Cancer Center, you will be subject to a Pre-Employment Drug Screen for tobacco compounds in compliance with applicable state laws.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Diversity and inclusion at MD Anderson are not just important; they are essential. Workforce diversity is one of its greatest strengths and keys to success in our mission to cure cancer. We take an expansive view of diversity, considering differences in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender and religious beliefs, as well as communication styles, thought, skill and ambition.