Senior Associate Director, Philanthropy

Senior Associate Director of Prospect Development

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a world-renowned institution dedicated to ending cancer through exceptional patient care, groundbreaking research, education, and prevention programs. The Senior Associate Director of Prospect Development plays a critical role in advancing philanthropic initiatives by providing strategic prospect intelligence, research, analysis, and donor engagement support that informs fundraising strategy and drives transformational outcomes.

UT MD Anderson's Prospect Development team plays a vital role in fundraising success by identifying, researching, analyzing, and strategically managing prospective major donors. The Senior Associate Director of Prospect Development partners closely with Principal Gifts leadership, frontline fundraisers, and key stakeholders to optimize donor portfolios, strengthen prospect pipelines, and support institutional fundraising goals.

The Senior Associate Director of Prospect Development also leads philanthropic due diligence efforts, ensuring informed decision-making through thoughtful analysis of philanthropic potential and reputational considerations.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and analytical professional with experience in prospect research, due diligence, portfolio strategy, fundraising analytics, and stakeholder relationship management within a complex philanthropy or campaign environment. They possess strong research capabilities, sound judgment, exceptional attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects, and a commitment to handling sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.

Minimum $37.26/hour - Midpoint $46.63/hour - Maximum $56.01/hour

Work Location: Remote

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, this role directly supports fundraising efforts that advance the institution's mission to eliminate cancer. Team members have the opportunity to influence strategic philanthropic decisions, collaborate with organizational leaders, contribute to high-impact initiatives, and grow professionally within a mission-driven environment that values innovation, collaboration, 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.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Project Management
• Drive execution of strategic plans and guide decision-making related to stakeholder relationships, special projects, and strategic initiatives. • Develop actionable strategies utilizing significant data points and analytical insights. • Allocate resources appropriately to ensure successful delivery of work functions and organizational priorities. • Serve as a coach, mentor, and sponsor to support team effectiveness and professional growth. • Lead prospect research and portfolio strategy efforts for designated Principal Gifts team members. • Conduct comprehensive prospect intelligence and analysis of biographical, philanthropic, professional, and financial information. • Partner in managing the Principal Gifts prospect pipeline through identification, assessment, and prioritization of high-potential prospects. • Collaborate with the Principal Gifts Program Manager on strategic prospect reviews, portfolio planning, and pipeline management.
• Prospect Intelligence and Portfolio Strategy
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize prospective donors using strategic research methodologies. • Develop actionable prospect insights that support cultivation and solicitation strategies. • Analyze donor and prospect information to uncover opportunities that align with fundraising objectives. • Provide strategic guidance regarding donor engagement opportunities and portfolio development. • Support institutional fundraising goals through comprehensive prospect evaluation and recommendation development.
• Programmatic Project Execution
• Deliver high-quality execution of team-specific work while promoting continuous process improvement. • Lead administration of the Philanthropic Due Diligence program, including intake, workflow management, communication, and case tracking. • Ensure efficient coordination and monitoring of due diligence activities and related deliverables. • Manage multiple high-priority projects while maintaining quality and accuracy of work products.
• Philanthropic Due Diligence
• Conduct highly sensitive due diligence research on prospective donors. • Prepare comprehensive donor profiles, research summaries, and risk assessments. • Deliver balanced analyses addressing both philanthropic potential and reputational considerations. • Provide strategic recommendations that inform fundraising decisions and protect institutional reputation. • Ensure confidentiality and sound judgment in all due diligence activities.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Organizational Partnership
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with leadership, gift officers, and key stakeholders. • Navigate cross-functional teams to support division and organizational objectives. • Organize and present complex information in thoughtful, engaging, and actionable formats. • Maintain situational, cultural, and institutional awareness to support informed recommendations. • Provide leadership and direction to current or future Prospect Development staff.
• EDUCATION
• Required: Bachelor's Degree
• Preferred: Master's Degree
• WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: Six years Or more experience in fundraising/non-profit, government agency, marketing, advertising, or public relations, law, healthcare or related industry. Demonstrated experience synthesizing complex information and engaging stakeholders in complex strategy discussions. and
• Required: Two years Supervisory experience.
• Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate and/or LEADing Self Discover programs may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience. Completion of both programs can be substituted for a maximum of two years of supervisory or management experience.
• OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.
• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent