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Philanthropy Specialist - Principal Gifts (Board of Visitors)
Philanthropy Specialist
The Philanthropy Specialist supports the Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives team, which engages MD Anderson’s most dedicated benefactors and volunteers to advance major philanthropic priorities. This team partners closely with MD Anderson’s Chief Philanthropy Officer, President, and Executive Leadership Team to cultivate relationships with top-tier supporters and drive meaningful institutional impact.
MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. In this environment, the Philanthropy Specialist plays a key role in coordinating Board of Visitors (BOV) working committees, preparing meeting materials, managing sensitive communications, and ensuring exceptional experiences for senior volunteers and executive partners. The Philanthropy Specialist also collaborates across teams to maintain accurate data, support meeting execution, and ensure seamless internal communication.
The ideal candidate for the Philanthropy Specialist role brings strong organizational skills, experience supporting complex administrative or programmatic operations, and the ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion. A background in donor relations, project coordination, communications, or similar fields is helpful, along with a commitment to supporting senior leadership and high‑level stakeholders.
Why Us?
In this role, you will directly support MD Anderson’s mission by strengthening relationships with influential volunteers and philanthropic partners whose engagement drives transformative impact. You will gain exposure to executive leaders, contribute to high‑visibility initiatives, and grow your skills in coordination, communication, and strategic support—while benefiting from a workplace designed to promote professional development 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.
Salary Range -
Midpoint Salary: 66,000
Salary Midpoint: 79,000
Responsibilities
Programmatic Project Execution
• Support engagement of Board of Visitors members in partnership with philanthropy peers, gift officers, donors, grateful patients, and volunteers.
• Update, track, and maintain data in the CRM database, including attendance and communication logs.
• Maintain accurate and current SharePoint content, including committee rosters, charges, attendance, and meeting summaries.
• Upload and manage meeting materials within Diligent Boards.
• Assist in rehearsals, meeting preparation, and execution of both virtual and in‑person committee meetings.
Collaboration & Teaming
• Share relevant updates with gift officers to ensure awareness of committee member activity and communication.
• Partner with the Sr. Director and Philanthropy Administrator to support committee activities and prepare materials for senior volunteer leaders.
• Work professionally and courteously with institutional leadership, responding promptly to requests and managing challenges with strong communication and organizational skills.
• Engage in cross‑functional activities, contributing to shared goals across the organization.
Stakeholder Engagement
• Participate in BOV committee meetings to understand sensitive discussions, member interests, and opportunities for deeper engagement.
• Build trust with Executive Leadership Team liaisons and understand each committee’s strategy and needs.
• Coordinate with ELT liaisons on meeting structure and communication preferences.
• Send approved communications to board members before and after meetings.
• Collaborate with committee Chairs, Vice Chairs, ELT members, and presenters to ensure successful meeting execution and appropriate communication of activities.
EDUCATION
Required: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising or related field.
EXPERIENCE
Required: One year of clerical, office, administrative, organizational, or related support experience. May substitute required education degree with additional years of equivalent experience on a one to one basis.
Preferred: Experience in fundraising, non-profit, government agency, marketing, advertising or public relations, law, healthcare, or related industry. Experience with Salesforce or other CRM systems, dashboards and advanced. Experience working with volunteer board members or board committees is highly preferred.
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
