Program Director ( Sponsorship Alliances )

MISSION

The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

The Program Director for Sponsorships oversees and implements MD Anderson's local and national sports and community sponsorship programs that allow MD Anderson to engage the public in our mission to end cancer. In collaboration with leadership, this position manages short and long-term strategy and budget planning to manage program growth. This position builds and maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to optimize strategy and increase our brand and educational reach through sponsorship. In addition, this position oversees event and activation execution, including set up, vendor coordination, onsite presence and staffing.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a proven track record in managing relationships with large event platforms, with a deep understanding of how to maximize sponsorship opportunities. They will be skilled in crafting compelling sponsorship proposals and executing impactful brand activations. Experience in overseeing agencies and vendors, while ensuring seamless collaboration and execution, is key. A strong background in sports marketing, with the ability to leverage industry knowledge and partnerships to drive brand success is also preferred.

This position requires travel to various events within the Houston area and surrounding regions, with occasional travel outside of the State of Texas. As such, residency in or near the Houston area is preferred.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Sponsorship strategy and execution.

• Develops and optimizes sponsorship strategy for MD Anderson's local and national sports and community sponsorship program.
• Evaluates existing sponsorship relationships as well as new sponsorship proposals ensuring alignment with Cause Alliances, philanthropy, and the institutions external affairs strategy.
• Contributes to and participates in negotiations for multi-year sponsorship contracts.
• Develops and maintains relationships with leaders and key stakeholders, including rights-holders and sponsorship partners.
• Manages short and long-term strategic planning to measure program success and enhance program growth.
• Develops sponsorship content strategy in collaboration with internal marketing, communications, and other appropriate departments on earned media, social media, photography and videography.
• Recommends new sponsorship opportunities that strengthen MD Anderson's cause positioning in key markets and nationally.
• Identifies opportunities to expand existing sponsorships through merchandise programs, cause marketing campaigns or educational programming and campaigns.

Event and activation management.

• Oversees event execution including set up, vendor coordination, onsite presence, staffing and collateral to ensure contracted deliverables are met.
• Collaborates with external vendors on plans, concepts and layouts.
• Works with internal designers to develop visuals that align with graphic and brand standards.
• Coordinates on-site videos, photography and other activities related to sponsorships or brand ambassador content development.
• Manages and reviews all brand assets used within sponsorship media, communications and on-site activations ensuring compliance with usage guidelines.
• Manages rights holder and vendor contracts.
• Creates reports to monitor activities and metrics.
• Develops presentations on sponsorship outcomes for leadership and other key stakeholders.

Leadership and financial stewardship.

• Provides direction and management of Sponsorship Alliances team, including the recruitment, direction and evaluation of staff.
• Assists the Director, Corporate and Sponsorship Alliances with developing an annual budget.
• Manages program expenses within assigned budget.
• Attains strong knowledge of MD Anderson programs and services to effectively promote and represent the institution to all community constituents

Other duties as assigned.

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree in in English, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or related field.

Preferred: Master's degree in English, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or related field.

Experience

Required: Seven years of experience public relations, communications, writing/editing or related field and three years of lead/project management/supervisory/management experience. With preferred degree, five years of required experience.

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.

Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.

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

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 172889
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 103,000
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 129,000
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 155,000
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Hard
• Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
• Science Jobs: No

#LI-Hybrid