Senior Director, Principal Gifts - Art Experience

Senior Director, Principal Gifts - Art Experience

The Senior Director, Principal Gifts, Art Experience, plays a leadership role in securing transformative philanthropic support across MD Anderson’s highest institutional priorities, while serving as the philanthropy team’s subject matter expert and champion for the Art Experience initiative. Reporting to the Executive Gift Officer, International Philanthropy, this position will engage ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and foundations capable of making principal-level investments that advance MD Anderson’s mission to eliminate cancer.
 

The Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate for the Senior Director, Principal Gifts – Art Experience position is a seasoned fundraising leader with a proven record of securing transformational gifts of $10 million or more from ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and foundations. They possess deep expertise in principal gift strategy and donor engagement, combined with a strong appreciation for the role of art in healing environments. This individual is a strategic thinker and relationship builder, capable of inspiring donors through compelling storytelling and immersive experiences that connect art and philanthropy to MD Anderson’s mission to eliminate cancer. They bring cultural sensitivity, creativity, and entrepreneurial vision to advance a unique fundraising initiative within an academic medical center. The ideal candidate thrives in complex, high-level environments, partnering seamlessly with institutional leadership, curatorial experts, and campaign volunteers. They demonstrate adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that every donor interaction reflects MD Anderson’s values and long-term goals.

What's in it for me?

While managing a portfolio focused on the institution’s broad strategic priorities, the Senior Director will partner closely with the Associate Vice President for Art Experience and institutional leaders to inspire donors around the role of art in healing, serving as the philanthropic liaison for this groundbreaking initiative. In this capacity, the Senior Director will connect donors with opportunities to invest in art-integrated environments while ensuring that all solicitations align with institutional needs and comprehensive campaign goals. In addition to securing gifts, the Senior Director will design and execute a comprehensive philanthropic strategy for the Art Experience, expanding MD Anderson’s base of national and international supporters. This includes building a network of advocates and ambassadors who will champion the program and sustain long-term engagement. With deep experience in principal gift fundraising, the successful candidate will bring creativity, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to inspire others around the intersection of art and healing.

Salary Range - Minimum Salary: $220,000 | Midpoint Salary: $251,000 | Salary Midpoint: $251,000

MD Anderson offers our employees:

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

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

UHNW Stakeholder Engagement ($25M+ prospects exclusively) (60%)

Manage a portfolio of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and foundations capable of gifts of $10 million and above, with a focus on principal-level investments in the Art Experience initiative.
Develop and execute tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that align donor passions for art and healing with MD Anderson’s institutional vision.
Build sustained donor relationships that lead to transformational investments in art collections, commissioned installations, and healing environments across MD Anderson’s campuses.
Inspire and steward donors through immersive experiences, including campus art tours, curated events, and behind-the-scenes conversations with artists, architects, and faculty.
Partner with board members, campaign volunteers, faculty, and curatorial leaders to deepen engagement and secure long-term philanthropic commitments.

Strategic Initiatives (Institutional in nature) (30%)

Serve as the principal fundraising partner to the Associate Vice President for Art Experience, aligning fundraising strategy with programmatic and curatorial vision.
Partner with institutional leadership, academic leaders, and the Office of the Chief Philanthropy Officer to advance the philanthropic strategy for Art Experience.
Mentor colleagues and serve as a resource for incorporating art and design storytelling into donor engagement strategies.
Collaborate with Prospect Development, Donor Communications, and Stewardship to create compelling cases for support and donor recognition opportunities unique to art curation and healing spaces.
Engage community leaders, artists, and philanthropists in meaningful partnerships that enhance visibility and support for the Art Experience.

Self-Managing Professional (10%)

Bring entrepreneurial creativity to donor engagement and program positioning.
Combine initiative, cultural competency, and strategic vision to advance a fundraising program that is unique among academic medical centers.
Demonstrate adaptability and resilience in a rapidly evolving campaign environment.