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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Directs space planning activities in collaboration with…