Senior Director, Philanthropy ( Special Programs & Events )

Mission Statement

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 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. With a vision to be the premier cancer center in the world, based on the excellence of our people, our research-driven patient care, and our science, we are Making Cancer History®. 

MD Anderson has more than 27,000 employees including over 1,700 faculty members and approximately 3,100 onsite and offsite volunteers.

Summary

MD Anderson is seeking a Senior Director, Philanthropy (Special Programs and Events) to lead a team that strategically plans and executes Special Events for the institution and to support the Philanthropy division. These events will raise awareness and/or funds for the institution as it aims to build strategic stakeholder engagement. And the ideal candidate will identify opportunities to enhance attendees event experiences utilizing leading edge and innovative activations associated with industry best practices.

The ideal candidate will be experienced in fundraising. Additionally, they should be a strong communicator with excellent writing and editing skills, capable of managing high-profile stakeholders and coordinating complex logistics. They should be detail-oriented, experienced in event and vendor management, including managing volunteers, and comfortable handling budgets and finances. The role requires frequent travel within and outside of Texas, including regular trips to Houston for meetings and preparation. A successful candidate will be highly organized, able to multitask, and bring innovative ideas to the table while maintaining professionalism in a fast-paced environment.

This position will lead and manage suppliers, vendors, and other contributors on flawless execution of all assigned deliverables and programs on schedule and within budget. Additionally, the candidate will interface with board members, volunteers, donors, vendors, and/or corporations associated with various events. 

Key Functions

• Multi-task a variety of projects simultaneously with flexibility, patience and decorum.
• Identify, cultivate, maintain, and enhance donors within target market(s).
• Collaborate with team members within external affairs, marketing, and philanthropy, as necessary, to assist in developing strong relationships with potential sponsors/donors, to increase brand awareness of the institution within targeted market(s), and to enhance meaningful experiences a donor’s associates with a particular event(s). 
• Assist with team(s) to create a resolute event stewardship model and event follow-up.

LEADERSHIP:

• Oversee alignment of the team with operations colleagues to ensure proper management of digital integration as well as additional teams and programs impacted.
• Provide guidance and management expertise to a team of staff specializing in but not limited to board events, stewardship events, cultivation events, friend raising events and campaign and fundraising events.
• Will report to the Associate Vice President for Special Programs & Events. 

The Senior Director will be required to travel outside the City of Houston and the State of Texas (day trips and overnight) may be required.

Other Duties as assigned.

Core Values

Caring: By our words and actions, we demonstrate caring toward everyone. 

• We are sensitive to the concerns of our patients, their loved ones and our colleagues. 
• We are respectful and courteous to each other and practice cultural humility. 
• We promote and reward teamwork and belonging. 

Integrity: We work together with professionalism to merit the trust of our colleagues and those we serve in all that we do. 

• We hold ourselves, and each other, accountable for our work – decisions and data – and for practicing our values and ethics. 
• We advocate for various perspectives for our workforce, for those we serve and for our community. 
• We communicate frequently, honestly, openly, and responsibly. 

Discovery: We embrace creativity and seek new knowledge from various perspectives. 

• We encourage continuous learning, seeking out information and new ideas. 
• We team with each other to identify and resolve problems. 
• We seek personal growth and enable others to do so. 

Safety: We provide a safe environment – physically and psychologically – for our patients, for our colleagues and for our community. 

• We create a sense of security and empowerment and are committed to keeping one another free from harm. 
• We embrace a framework and best practices for the highest quality of care and service. 
• We inspire trust by modeling excellence in our work and acceptance of each person’s contributions. 

Stewardship: We protect and preserve our institutional reputation and the precious resources – people, time, financial and environmental – entrusted to us. 

• We prioritize the health and well-being of each other. 
• We act responsibly to safeguard the institution’s finances.
• We ensure the proper care and use of time, data, materials, equipment, and property afforded to us.

Competencies:

With Belonging, you understand that your ideas and contributions are valued.  You promote the same for others. (Competencies: Cultural Humility, Cultural Awareness, Cultural Intelligence)

With Drive, you see that you can serve as a leader whether you have a formal leadership role or not. You tackle problems, move past setbacks and hardships, and do not lose sight of your goals. (Competencies: Self-Confidence, Analytical Thinking, Innovative Thinking, Technical Expertise)

You demonstrate Professionalism by setting the example for others and consistently modeling MD Anderson’s values and service standards. You communicate effectively in a variety of ways. (Competencies: Inspire Trust, Oral Communication, Written Communication)

Through Emotional Intelligence, you maintain awareness of your own emotions and the emotions of those around you. Use nonverbal cues and feelings to engage others in an understanding and responsive way. (Competencies: Active Listening, Teaming, Self-Reflection)

Having Coachability means you are engaged in relentless learning. You constantly ask questions and stay curious. You understand that the organization constantly evolves, and you should as well. (Competencies: Develop Oneself, Adaptability)

(Managers only)

You must first hold yourself accountable through Professionalism. When you move to Accountability for others, you must communicate in a way that compels them into action and drives them to achieve goals. (Competencies: Strategic Thinking, Provide Direction, Influence, Interpersonal Communication)

When you demonstrate Knowledge Sharing, you create a culture of learning within your team. You instill in others a drive to learn and develop. (Competencies: Knowledge Transfer, Business Acumen)

When you take on Capacity Building, you continuously motivate the talent within your team; you value the strength that different backgrounds bring and provide ongoing growth and development to every team member. (Competencies: Coach and Develop, Change Leadership, Leadership)