Volunteer & Patient Programs Manager

Volunteer Services & Merchandising at MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to enhancing the patient experience through compassionate volunteer support and the operation of hospital gift shops. Volunteers provide comfort and assistance to patients and families, while proceeds from merchandise sales—including items from the Children’s Art Project—fund patient programs and volunteer initiatives. Joining this department means becoming part of a team that combines service and fundraising to directly support MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer.

At MD Anderson Cancer Center, we’re united by one mission: to eliminate cancer. As the Manager of Volunteer and Patient Programs, you will play an essential role in bringing this mission to life—connecting patients, survivors, caregivers, and volunteers through programs that inspire hope, strength, and healing.

This position offers the opportunity to lead a talented volunteer community that enhances the patient experience across MD Anderson’s Texas Medical Center and Houston-area locations, as well as the myCancerConnection peer support network. You’ll be a part of a collaborative team that values compassion, initiative, and service to others.

About the Role

The Manager, Volunteer and Patient Programs, provides strategic and operational leadership for volunteer engagement and patient-centered programs. You will oversee day-to-day volunteer management, support program development, and ensure that all activities reflect MD Anderson’s commitment to excellence and empathy.

This is a hybrid role based on departmental needs, providing flexibility while ensuring consistent, high-quality support for our onsite volunteers and patient-facing services. This position requires onsite presence four days per week, with the flexibility to work additional onsite days as needed based on departmental priorities.

The ideal candidate will have a healthcare background, strong public speaking skills, and at least 2 years of supervisory experience. Volunteer experience, experience with patient advocacy, and experience coordinating events is also preferred.

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
Volunteer Program Leadership

• Lead the recruitment, screening, onboarding, and placement of dedicated volunteers across MD Anderson’s main campus, Houston-area sites, and the myCancerConnection network.
• Develop and oversee volunteer training that meets institutional standards and accreditation requirements.
• Partner with clinical and administrative leaders to identify areas where volunteer involvement can enhance patient care.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 
   

Volunteer Engagement and Development

• Supervise and mentor volunteers to provide outstanding service for patients and caregivers.
• Maintain and improve volunteer training materials, resources, and retention initiatives.
• Conduct ongoing evaluations, feedback sessions, and recognition programs that celebrate volunteer contributions.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Communications team to highlight volunteer impact through internal news, social media, and annual reports.
• Monitor program data to strengthen recruitment, engagement, and retention metrics.
   

Collaboration and Institutional Impact

• Serve as a liaison between Volunteer Services and clinical teams to align volunteer engagement with patient needs.
• Represent Volunteer Services on institutional committees and projects focused on patient and caregiver support.

• Help foster an inclusive environment that reflects MD Anderson’s core values of caring, integrity, discovery, safety, and stewardship.
   

  What We Offer
   

• The chance to advance MD Anderson’s world-renowned mission to end cancer.
• A collaborative, mission-driven work environment built on compassion and teamwork.
• Opportunities to innovate within programs that directly improve the lives of patients and families.
• Hybrid work flexibility and robust institutional support for professional growth.
  
  Join MD Anderson and be part of something larger than yourself—where every connection, every act of service, and every volunteer hour brings us closer to Making Cancer History.