Foundation Program Manager - Communications

At Houston Methodist, the Foundation Program Manager is responsible for the development, implementation and management of a Foundation program area designed to foster and nurture long-term, meaningful relationships with constituents, volunteers and donors. This position will collaborate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders including volunteer leadership, donors, executives, physicians/investigators and Houston Methodist ("HM") staff in support of the overall mission, goals and objectives of the Foundation. In coordination with the Foundation staff, will execute strategies and plans based on set goals, timelines, benchmarks and budgets, and provide leadership and vision to their respective assigned programs.

The Foundation Program Manager, in partnership with assigned program and Foundation leadership, will lead, design, guide and execute strategies and programs essential to exceptional donor and patient engagement, experiences and/or assigned communications program. Also serves as role model and mentor to junior team members. In addition, the Program Manager evaluates the effectiveness of the program, identifies trends, recommends goals, implements strategies, and ensures quality so the program meets the organizations desired metrics.

For communications-focused assignments, the Foundation Program Manager serves as a strategic writer and editor responsible for developing compelling, donor-centered content that advances the Foundation’s goals. This includes creating and managing a broad portfolio of communications deliverables such as funding proposals, stewardship impact reports, donor recognition materials, executive correspondence, talking points, thank you letters and other leadership communications. Working closely with Foundation leadership, physicians, researchers and subject matter experts, the Program Manager translates complex clinical, research and philanthropic information into clear, persuasive and inspiring narratives that demonstrate impact, strengthen donor relationships, support fundraising objectives and uphold the Houston Methodist brand and voice.

FLSA STATUS
Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree required

EXPERIENCE

• Three years experience in development, communications, media relations, marketing or related field, two years of which must be in project management, coordination or event planning; may consider HM employee with four years of experience who demonstrates progressive responsibilities
• Experience in healthcare fundraising/development preferred
• Experience in working with institutional leadership and staff

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Experience with fundraising campaigns or fund development preferred
• Editing experience and/or familiarity with the AP style guidelines
• Flexibility and responsiveness in performing multiple projects simultaneously. skills; ability to prioritize tasks and follow-through to meet expectations of multiple constituencies. Successful track record in project management a plus strong leadership, facilitation and presentation skills
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills with the ability to critically evaluate issues, options, and performance results, both quantitative and qualitatively
• Ability to successfully manage relationships among all levels of the organization, both internally and externally
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to meet deadlines in a time-sensitive, fast paced environment with attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong personal work ethic, self-motivated and results-oriented
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of major gifts fundraising for health care, higher education and/or academic medical center preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with culture and engagement principles. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.
• Works creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment fostering teamwork, innovation and excellence. Actively leads program meetings, providing meaningful contributions that drive decision-making and clearly identifies next steps.
• Leads projects and coordinates with key stakeholders and others to ensure department timelines, deliverables and budgets are met. Serves as primary resource/subject matter expert to the Foundation staff.
• Provides timely guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem. Serves as mentor and role model for junior staff
• Effectively communicates project initiatives, timelines and change management activities

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Partners with management to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of assigned program, monitors progress and achievement of objectives, and identifies corrective actions as indicated. Provides leadership with decision support needed to make informed strategic decisions.
• Works closely across Foundation to support strategic moves management for prospective donor/donor engagement.
• Works with Foundation staff to produce and coordinate the dissemination of progress reports, presentations, and other materials to Foundation staff, hospital and physician leaders and staff, key volunteers, prospective donors and donors, as applicable
• Participates on internal committees and task forces as assigned, ensuring that critical objectives are clearly explained and action items are appropriately delegated. Follows up on action items as necessary to ensure completion of assignments

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides management with analysis and performance metrics for use in assessments and identifying areas for improvement for assigned programs. Establishes methods to track programs and/or initiative success and gathers feedback for future reference.
• Employs a proactive approach in the optimization of donor and department expectations by monitoring and improving the established workflow, using peer-to-peer accountability, and identifying solutions via collaboration. Adopts lean principles in driving process improvements. Role models situational awareness.
• Partners across Foundation to leverage current resources in ensure that high quality and accurate philanthropic and donorcentric message is present and consistent in all material, communications, and/or initiatives, both internally and externally to promote goals.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.
• Effectively manages the scope, schedule, and budget of assigned programs. Tracks year-to-year trends and identifies opportunities for financial improvement. Monitors the success of the program, engagement strategies, and budget, identifying cost-saving and waste-elimination opportunities.
• Monitors and leverages resources and recommends strategies to maximize philanthropic funding opportunities. Ensures timely submission of invoices, tracks and adheres to budgets for assigned programs

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Proactively and independently problem solves when challenges present themselves. Completes and updates the My Development plan on an ongoing basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.
• Builds upon foundational knowledge of healthcare fundraising and seeks opportunities to strengthen skill set within assigned unit.
• Assesses and analyzes present and future needs, best evidence, trends, challenges, and opportunities related to department strategic goals within scope of the role.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• WORK ATTIRE
  • Uniform: No
  • Scrubs: No
  • Business professional: Yes
  • Other (department approved): No
  ON-CALL*
  *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
  • On Call* No
  TRAVEL**
  **Travel specifications may vary by department**
  • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
  • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree required

EXPERIENCE

• Three years experience in development, communications, media relations, marketing or related field, two years of which must be in project management, coordination or event planning; may consider HM employee with four years of experience who demonstrates progressive responsibilities
• Experience in healthcare fundraising/development preferred
• Experience in working with institutional leadership and staff