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Director of Philanthropy (Gift Agreement Program)
Director of Philanthropy (Gift Agreement Program)
The Director of Philanthropy (Gift Agreement Program) plays a central role in supporting the work of the Grateful Giving & Donor Relations team, which leads MD Anderson’s donor recognition, stewardship, and engagement strategies. This team is responsible for ensuring donors receive meaningful appreciation, clear information, and strong stewardship for their generosity while supporting fundraisers, leadership, and institutional priorities. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention.
The Director of Philanthropy (Gift Agreement Program) strengthens this mission by overseeing a comprehensive gift agreement program that ensures donor intent is honored, documented, and stewarded with precision across current-use, naming, and endowed gifts. The Director of Philanthropy (Gift Agreement Program) collaborates with leadership, gift officers, faculty, and system partners to maintain compliance, manage naming processes, and support the lifecycle of endowed positions. In this role, the Director of Philanthropy (Gift Agreement Program) drives program execution, organizational alignment, and donor-centered excellence.
The ideal candidate brings advanced experience in philanthropic administration, gift agreement management, and compliance, along with strong leadership capabilities. Preferred qualifications include relevant higher education, progressive experience in donor relations or advancement services, and familiarity with endowment administration, regulatory guidelines, and institutional policy frameworks.
Minimum $92,500 – Midpoint $115,500 – Maximum $138,500
Why Us?
This role offers the opportunity to shape a mission‑critical program that ensures philanthropic gifts directly support MD Anderson’s life‑saving work. Professionals in this position collaborate with institutional leaders, contribute to impactful donor experiences, and develop expertise in high‑level philanthropic strategy—all within a workplace that supports career growth and work‑life balance.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Program Management
• Lead execution of strategic plans and guide decision‑making related to stakeholder relationships, initiatives, and special projects.
• Collect relevant data, allocate resources, and drive timely execution of program deliverables.
• Coach and mentor staff to thrive in a dynamic operational environment.
• Develop and oversee a comprehensive gift agreement program for current‑use, naming, and endowed gifts.
• Partner with gift officers to draft agreements and train faculty and staff on fund usage.
• Coordinate donor reporting with Donor Relations and institutional partners.
• Assess the effectiveness of the gift agreement program and implement improvements.
Consultation & Compliance Oversight
• Provide guidance to internal and external stakeholders using subject matter expertise in philanthropy and compliance.
• Maintain standardized processes for managing endowed and non‑endowed gift agreements.
• Oversee drafting, review, issue‑resolution, and full execution of agreements with gift officers, Legal Affairs, and UT System partners.
• Monitor compliance with UT System Board of Regents policies, IRS regulations, laws, and CASE guidelines.
• Prepare and route naming approval memoranda and manage submissions through approval and execution.
• Partner with the Chief Academic Officer on endowed positions to ensure alignment with academic and policy requirements.
• Maintain document retention standards and conduct periodic risk assessments.
• Serve as a standing member of the Endowment Compliance Committee.
Interpersonal Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
• Build productive relationships using clear, respectful, and culturally aware communication.
• Partner with Data Science & Analytics, Gift Operations, and related teams to support data integrity and compliance objectives.
• Coordinate preparation and verification of financial reports required by gift agreements.
• Identify and resolve stewardship or compliance issues proactively.
• Serve as a liaison to department leaders, UT System stakeholders, and relevant committees.
• Model professionalism and a collaborative, consultative approach across teams.
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree
- Preferred: Master's Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: Eight years or more years of experience in fundraising/non-profit, government agency, marketing, advertising, or public relations, law, healthcare or related industry. Demonstrated experience synthesizing complex information and engaging stakeholders in complex strategy discussions and four years supervisory experience.
- Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate and/or LEADing Self Discover programs may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience. Completion of both programs can be substituted for a maximum of two years of supervisory or management experience.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
