Administrative Director - Strategic Communications

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within Strategic Communications, this role supports executive leadership by overseeing administrative operations, financial stewardship, policy compliance, and cross-functional coordination that advance organizational priorities. The Administrative Director serves as a key operational leader within the department.

UT MD Anderson seeks an experienced Administrative Director to act as a strategic and operational partner to the Vice President, Strategic Communications, providing leadership over the department's administrative, financial, and compliance operations. As a member of the Vice President's leadership team, the role translates strategic priorities into coordinated action, directs cross-functional initiatives, and represents the Vice President in meetings and committees as appropriate. The role works collaboratively with the Office of the EVP, Institutional Advancement to ensure alignment across the division.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy and discretion, this position directs the department's administrative operations, including budget preparation, fiscal reporting, personnel processes, and policy compliance. The role may act on behalf of the Vice President in matters related to policy development and adherence to institutional and regulatory requirements. Serving as the central point of contact for administrative and operational matters, the position regularly interfaces with internal and external stakeholders and ensures resources stay aligned with institutional and division strategy.

The ideal candidate will have experience with budget management, presentation development, policy interpretation and compliance, goal setting, and crafting effective key messages for various stakeholders. The candidate will reside in Texas and be willing to travel onsite as needed to support business objectives and team initiatives.

Salary Range: Minimum 92,500 - Midpoint $115,500 - Maximum $138,500

Work Schedule: This position will work Monday - Friday.

Work Location: This is a remote position, based in Houston, TX. Onsite expectations as needed.

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, this role directly supports the strategic priorities of executive leadership while helping ensure operational excellence across Strategic Communications. The position offers the opportunity to influence institutional initiatives, lead complex projects, collaborate with senior leaders, and contribute to a mission-driven environment that values professional growth, innovation, 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.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Strategic Support & Priority Advancement

• Serves as a close, trusted partner to the Vice President, Strategic Communications, translating vision and strategic priorities into coordinated plans and action.
• Represents the Vice President in meetings and committees as appropriate, and reviews executive communications to keep priorities moving forward.

Budget & Fiscal Oversight

• Directs the preparation and recommendation of the department's annual budget and leads the analysis and preparation of fiscal and budgetary reports for department leadership and institutional financial officers.
• Oversees personnel and financial transactions and reconciliations, exercising discretion and sound judgment on sensitive administrative and operational matters.

Policy Administration & Compliance (Strategic Communications)

• May act on behalf of the Vice President regarding matters related to policy development and assurance of compliance with federal, state, and local laws and institutional policies.
• Directs the development of administrative practices and procedures to ensure efficient and compliant departmental operations, and supports leadership in policy interpretation, implementation, and documentation.

Space Planning & Asset Management

• Directs space planning activities in collaboration with institutional partners to support Strategic Communications' operational and staffing needs.
• Oversees asset management for the function, including tracking, inventory, and appropriate use of equipment and resources.

Departmental Coordination & Special Events

• Directs administrative workflows and cross-functional initiatives in support of the Vice President and institutional priorities. Establishes priorities and provides oversight for administrative initiatives, and directs the planning and execution of meetings, engagement activities, and other departmental initiatives.

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• Required: Bachelor's Degree Management or related field.
• Preferred: Master's Degree Business Administration, Healthcare Administration or Public Administration.

Work Experience

• Required: Five years of section or department management experience or project management experience, to include two years of supervisory experience.
• Required: Three years Required experience with preferred degree.
• May substitute required education degree with additional years of equivalent experience on a one to one basis.
• 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 benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 183528
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Day/Evening
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 92,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 115,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 138,500
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Hard
• Work Location: Remote (within Texas only)
• Pivotal Position: No
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: No