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Events Specialist
The External Affairs Events department at MD Anderson Cancer Center brings the institution’s mission to life through meaningful experiences that inspire hope, celebrate progress, and strengthen community. From signature fundraising events to patient‑centered programs and institutional milestones, the team designs and delivers moments that honor survivors, support families, and advance MD Anderson’s commitment to ending cancer. With creativity, compassion, and precision, they transform every event into an opportunity to connect people with purpose.
The External Affairs Events Specialist supports the planning, coordination, and execution of institutional and philanthropic events that advance MD Anderson’s mission and strategic priorities. Working under the direction of the Director, EA Events—and in close collaboration with team members—this role manages small- to mid‑scale events and provides tactical, logistical, and operational support for high‑profile engagements. The Specialist partners with colleagues across External Affairs, Institutional Affairs, Philanthropy, and other internal departments to ensure all events reflect MD Anderson’s values, culture, and commitment to excellence.
The ideal candidate will be local to the Houston metro area and comfortable traveling across the U.S. at least 50% of the time. They will hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and bring experience in large‑scale or corporate event planning. The candidate will have a strong background in managing or coordinating volunteers and will be adept at engaging with high‑profile or high‑net‑worth individuals. Experience with budget management is also preferred.
Additional onsite attendance may be required as needed for meetings and business needs.
At MD Anderson, we offer careers built on care, growth, and balance. Our employees enjoy a benefits package designed to support every stage of life, starting on day one.
- Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week
- Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage
- Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals
- Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
- Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
- Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
- Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the development, implementation, and oversight of strategic institutional and philanthropic events.
- Manage logistics for assigned events, including venue selection, vendor coordination, budget support, and on‑site execution.
- Support the Director in executing high‑profile events by preparing materials, timelines, staffing plans, and coordinating on‑site operations.
- Maintain event documentation, timelines, checklists, and planning materials to ensure consistency and quality across the event portfolio.
- Collaborate with the Administrative Director and IA Finance to track event budgets and ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Implement event standards, protocols, and best practices while contributing to continuous improvement and innovation.
- Use event technology, software, and planning tools to streamline operations, reporting, and execution.
- Participate in post‑event evaluations and provide recommendations to inform future planning.
- Independently manage several medium‑sized events within the team’s broader portfolio.
- Ensure all events reflect MD Anderson’s mission, values, strategic goals, and high standards.
Additional duties as assigned.
Why Join MD Anderson
- Contribute directly to a world‑renowned mission focused on eliminating cancer and advancing life‑saving impact.
- Be part of a values‑driven culture where compassion, integrity, and excellence guide everything we do.
- Collaborate with talented professionals across External Affairs, Institutional Affairs, and Philanthropy.
- Grow in a supportive environment that encourages learning, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Help shape meaningful institutional and philanthropic experiences that inspire donors, partners, and our community.
EDUCATION
Required: Bachelor's Degree Event Management, Hospitality, Public Affairs, Marketing, Communications, Business Administration or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required: Five years Event planning, communications, marketing or engagement strategy. May substitute required education degree with additional years of equivalent experience on a one-to-one basis.
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
