Associate Director, Donor Communications

At MD Anderson Cancer Center, we are relentless in our mission to end cancer. Every word we share with our donors helps drive life-saving discoveries, compassionate care, and bold innovation. As Associate Director, Donor Communications, you’ll play a pivotal role in crafting the proposals and narratives that inspire major philanthropic investment in the world’s leading cancer center. Your talent is more than valued, it’s vital. Together, we can make cancer history, which is Only Possible Here.

The ideal candidate will have writing experience for fundraising, or fundraising experience in a healthcare, education or non-profit environment. Additionally, experience writing fundraising proposals is also preferred. 

At MD Anderson, we offer careers built on care, growth, and balance. Our employees enjoy a benefits package designed to support every stage of life, starting on day one.
 

• Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week
• Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) 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 voluntary retirement plans
• Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
• Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups

Key Functions
Lead Proposal Strategy and Development

• Write, edit, and format persuasive fundraising proposals and grant applications that convey MD Anderson’s impact and funding priorities.
• Translate complex research and programmatic goals into clear, emotionally resonant language tailored to donor audiences.
• Collaborate with faculty researchers, gift officers, and institutional leaders to develop content that aligns with strategic campaign goals.
• Manage projects from intake to delivery — ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand and style standards.

Collaborate and Communicate 

• Partner closely with frontline fundraisers and peers in Donor Communications to craft creative, donor-centered materials.
• Lead or participate in project kick-off calls to define strategy, objectives, and messaging.
• Coordinate feedback loops across multiple stakeholders, integrating edits thoughtfully and efficiently.
• Share insights and best practices to enhance communication effectiveness across the division.

Demonstrate Insight and Initiative

• Maintain awareness of institutional priorities, donor interests, and evolving trends in philanthropy communication.
• Organize and synthesize complex information to support a variety of audiences — from individuals and corporations to foundations.
• Help strengthen information management systems by capturing and sharing valuable project knowledge and content.

What You’ll Bring

• A passion for mission-driven storytelling and philanthropy.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and strategic communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with professionalism and flexibility.
• A collaborative mindset and the confidence to engage with scientists, clinicians, and senior leaders.
• Experience in proposal writing, development communications, or related fields.

Why Join MD Anderson
As part of our Donor Communications team, you’ll help shape the messages that inspire transformative giving. 

You’ll join a creative, supportive group of professionals who are trusted partners to fundraisers and institutional leaders, and whose work directly accelerates progress against cancer. We aim to be the most innovative and effective development writing team in the nation, setting the standard for excellence in healthcare philanthropy.