Administrative Director - Institutional Affairs

Administrative Director

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks an experienced Administrative Director to serve as the senior administrative leader for Institutional Advancement. This role provides high-level executive and operational support while overseeing administrative functions across Institutional Affairs, Philanthropy, and Governmental Relations. The Administrative Director ensures alignment of resources, drives execution of leadership priorities, and maintains seamless coordination of divisional initiatives. Working with a high degree of autonomy, the Administrative Director partners closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders to optimize executive operations and workflow.

UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Administrative Director plays a critical role in supporting the mission by strengthening executive operations, enhancing administrative effectiveness, and aligning strategic initiatives across the division.

The ideal candidate will bring experience supporting Executive Leadership. Additional consideration will be given to candidates local to Houston, TX or surrounding areas, or willing to relocate.

Position Information Salary Range: Minimum: $92,500 - Midpoint $115,500 - Maximum $138,500 This position will work Monday – Friday, with occasional weekends as needed to support the team.

This is a hybrid position and may require flexibility to be onsite as needed to support business operations.

Why Us? This role directly supports UT MD Anderson's mission by enabling executive leadership to operate efficiently and effectively across critical institutional functions. The position offers the opportunity to influence strategic initiatives, lead high-impact administrative teams, and contribute to meaningful work in a collaborative environment that values operational excellence and professional growth.

• 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.

Responsibilities Executive Coordination & Backup Support:

• Partner with the Executive Office Administrator to ensure continuity of executive support services
• Provide backup support to the Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement
• Manage complex scheduling, meeting coordination, and executive communications
• Maintain alignment of leadership priorities and executive workflows

Administrative Leadership & Team Supervision:

• Supervise a team of seven administrative staff across External Affairs, Marketing, and Strategic Communications
• Assign work, establish priorities, and monitor team performance
• Ensure consistent administrative coverage aligned with operational and executive needs
• Oversee administrative resource deployment to meet divisional objectives

Supervision, Coaching & Performance Management:

• Coach and mentor direct reports to strengthen administrative capabilities
• Establish annual performance, strategic, and developmental goals
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide continuous feedback
• Support professional growth aligned with organizational priorities

Executive & Divisional Administrative Management:

• Provide high-level administrative support to Institutional Advancement leadership
• Exercise discretion and judgment in managing sensitive and complex matters
• Coordinate daily business operations across Institutional Affairs, Philanthropy, and Governmental Relations
• Optimize executive time and prioritize administrative activities

Policy Administration, Space Planning & Coordination:

• Manage Institutional Advancement policies and administrative procedures
• Ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements
• Coordinate space planning and collaborate with institutional partners
• Oversee asset management including inventory and resource utilization
• Lead coordination of cross-functional initiatives and departmental events
• Support planning and execution of meetings, engagement activities, and special initiatives

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Five years of section or department management experience or project management experience, to include two years of supervisory experience.
• With preferred degree, three years of required experience.
• 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 duties

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.