(While navigating through the site, please be sure to disable your pop-up blocker.)
Project Director - Innovation
Project Director of Innovation
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Project Director of Innovation within the CTDO Project Management Department, part of the Technology, Data & Innovation (TDI) PMO. The Project Director of Innovation is responsible for leading high-impact programs and overseeing team deliverables across scope, cost, schedule, and quality. This Project Director of Innovation serves as a strategic liaison between portfolio leaders and project sponsors, translating vision into execution while ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
Within this environment, the CTDO Project Management Department supports enterprise innovation through structured program delivery, best-in-class project management practices, and cross-functional collaboration to advance technology and data-driven initiatives.
The ideal candidate brings advanced education and a strong foundation in project and program leadership, with extensive experience delivering enterprise-wide innovation, technology, or data initiatives. This individual demonstrates expertise in managing complex implementations, leading teams, and driving results across full project lifecycles, with a track record of innovation in areas such as emerging technologies, automation, or advanced data platforms.
Minimum $146,500– Midpoint $183,500 – Maximum $219,500
Work Location: Hybrid onsite/remote schedule
Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, the Project Director of Innovation plays a critical role in advancing transformative initiatives that directly impact patient care, research, and operational excellence. This role offers the opportunity to lead cutting-edge programs, collaborate with senior leadership, and shape the future of technology and innovation within a mission-driven environment that values professional growth and balanced work practices.
• 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
Leadership & Strategic Alignment
• Motivate, inspire, and guide workforce and project teams toward shared goals
• Provide oversight of team performance and ensure successful delivery of all project outcomes
• Lead recruitment and hiring of qualified personnel
• Align initiatives with organizational objectives and support portfolio-level planning
• Translate strategic vision into actionable project plans and deliverables
Business & Stakeholder Management
• Apply business acumen to evaluate industry trends and financial impacts
• Engage stakeholders to demonstrate value, manage expectations, and ensure alignment
• Participate in customer meetings to maintain operational awareness and requirements
• Provide project management support ensuring accurate, timely, and consistent data
Program & Project Execution
• Manage large, complex programs and multiple projects across full lifecycle phases
• Define project expectations, deliverables, and stakeholder roles
• Document decisions, changes, and implementation activities
• Collaborate with technical teams to define requirements, architecture, and solutions
• Coordinate testing, training, and development of production support models
Resource, Financial & Risk Management
• Oversee allocation of human, financial, and operational resources
• Facilitate resource capacity discussions with leadership and stakeholders
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis activities
• Monitor and report comprehensive financial performance of programs
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks to maintain schedule, scope, and budget
Operational Excellence & Communication
• Communicate expectations, timelines, and challenges clearly across stakeholders
• Resolve issues escalated by direct and indirect reports
• Continuously improve processes, tools, and best practices
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and vendors
• Foster adaptability and responsiveness in dynamic project environments
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's degree
- Preferred: Master's degree.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: 7 years Project management experience to include five years experience in application and/or infrastructure services.
- 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.
- Preferred:
- Direct experience leading end-to-end full- cycle enterprise Innovation implementations.
- Have at least seven years of experience leading through implementation large-scale and high-complex programs and/or projects that were implemented enterprise-wide.
- Program/project management experience with vendor management, defining project scopes, planning detailed schedules, budget cost control, quality management, execution of defined deliverables, monitoring/reporting back and closing programs/projects.
- Have at least 8-10 years of experience with implementing technology, data and/or innovation solutions and must have excellent communication skills, be self-driven and proactive.
- Proven track record leading innovation, R&D, or emerging‑tech initiatives (e.g., AI/ML, automation, cloud modernization, IoT, data platforms)
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 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.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
