Senior Associate Director, Major Gifts

The Major Gifts team is dedicated to securing sustained transformational philanthropic support for the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center by engaging with new and existing donors across the United States. Major Gift officers heavily prospect for new donor opportunities and plan and execute deeply meaningful cultivation strategies for high net‑worth constituents and stakeholders (new and established) with the purpose of soliciting and closing six‑ and seven‑figure philanthropic gifts.

In advancement of the institution's largest philanthropic campaign in history, MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Sr. Associate Director, Major Gifts to join the Individual Giving team. The Sr. Associate Director will heavily prospect for major gift donors in a designated travel territory, conceptualizing highly customized cultivation strategies for individual constituents and stakeholders to personally solicit and secure philanthropic gifts in excess of $100,000 for the institution's fundraising priorities.

The role also includes qualifying for and presenting opportunities for planned gifts in partnership with Planned Giving colleagues. The Sr. Associate Director will pursue growth and sustainability of an individual portfolio of approximately 75 constituents, engaging all donors in his/her/their accountability and establishing a portfolio that generates a minimum of $4.5 million in gift revenue annually.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate is a highly accomplished major gifts fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing six‑ and seven‑figure philanthropic gifts through deeply personalized, donor‑centric strategies. They bring strong experience prospecting, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting high‑net‑worth donors within complex, mission‑driven institutions, and demonstrate the ability to align donor interests with institutional priorities. This individual shows exceptional perceptiveness and situational awareness, effectively navigating cross‑functional teams, faculty partnerships, and leadership collaboration while managing multiple priorities with discipline and precision.

They excel in stakeholder engagement, building trust and rapport with constituents nationwide, and are comfortable personally soliciting gifts of $100,000 to $1 million or more, including identifying planned giving opportunities. The ideal candidate also brings strong leadership and project management skills, driving strategy execution across a robust portfolio, consistently achieving revenue goals, and serving as a collaborative, values‑driven leader who models excellence, accountability, and professionalism in support of MD Anderson Cancer Center's transformational campaign goals.

Compensation

Salary: $121,000 (minimum), $138,000 (midpoint), and $155,000 (maximum).

Benefits

• 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

Perception and Attentiveness (40%)

Accurately assess interests of prospective donors; organize and present information in thoughtful and engaging ways; constantly shift between multiple activities and sources of information; maintain situational and institutional awareness; and adeptly navigate cross‑functional prospect teams in support of donor engagement, solicitation, and stewardship plans.

Stakeholder Engagement (40%)

Investigate, qualify, and solicit new donors ($500K to $1M in a national territory); build rapport with donors, faculty, and institutional leaders; engage with varied constituencies with social fluency and garner their trust to…