Senior Director, Principal Gifts - Art

Senior Director, Principal Gifts - Art Experience

Join the MD Anderson Cancer Center as a senior fundraising leader who will secure transformative philanthropic support for the Art Experience initiative. Reporting to the Executive Gift Officer, International Philanthropy, this role engages ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and foundations capable of making principal-level investments that advance MD Anderson’s mission to eliminate cancer.

• Manage a portfolio of ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals, families, and foundations capable of gifts of $10 million and above, focusing on principal‑level investments in the Art Experience initiative.
• Develop and execute tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that align donor passions for art and healing with MD Anderson’s institutional vision.
• Build sustained donor relationships that lead to transformational investments in art collections, commissioned installations, and healing environments across MD Anderson’s campuses.
• Inspire and steward donors through immersive experiences, including campus art tours, curated events, and behind‑the‑scenes conversations with artists, architects, and faculty.
• Partner with board members, campaign volunteers, faculty, and curatorial leaders to deepen engagement and secure long‑term philanthropic commitments.
• Serve as the principal fundraising partner to the Associate Vice President for Art Experience, aligning fundraising strategy with programmatic and curatorial vision.
• Partner with institutional leadership, academic leaders, and the Office of the Chief Philanthropy Officer to advance the philanthropic strategy for Art Experience.
• Mentor colleagues and serve as a resource for incorporating art and design storytelling into donor engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with Prospect Development, Donor Communications, and Stewardship to create compelling cases for support and donor recognition opportunities unique to art curation and healing spaces.
• Engage community leaders, artists, and philanthropists in meaningful partnerships that enhance visibility and support for the Art Experience.
• Bring entrepreneurial creativity to donor engagement and program positioning.
• Combine initiative, cultural competency, and strategic vision to advance a fundraising program that is unique among academic medical centers.
• Demonstrate adaptability and resilience in a rapidly evolving campaign environment.

• Seasoned fundraising leader with a proven record of securing transformational gifts of $10 million or more from ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and foundations.
• Deep expertise in principal gift strategy and donor engagement, combined with a strong appreciation for the role of art in healing environments.
• Strategic thinker and relationship builder, capable of inspiring donors through compelling storytelling and immersive experiences that connect art and philanthropy to MD Anderson’s mission to eliminate cancer.
• Cultural sensitivity, creativity, and entrepreneurial vision to advance a unique fundraising initiative within an academic medical center.
• Thrives in complex, high-level environments, partnering seamlessly with institutional leadership, curatorial experts, and campaign volunteers.
• Demonstrates adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that every donor interaction reflects MD Anderson’s values and long-term goals.
• Required:
  
  Bachelor's Degree;
  Preferred:
  Master’s Degree.
• Required:
  
  12 years direct fundraising experience and four years of supervisory experience.
• Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.

Minimum Salary: $220,000 – Midpoint Salary: $251,000 – Maximum Salary: $282,000.

• Zero-premium medical benefits starting on day one for employees who work 30 or more hours per week.
• Group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability coverage.
• PTO and extended illness bank 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…