Manager of Public Affairs - Philanthropy

Texas Children's; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Children’s is seeking a Manager Public Affairs focused on Philanthropy to lead strategic communications, storytelling, and donor engagement that advance fundraising goals and strengthen the organization’s reputation.

The role collaborates with executive leadership, philanthropy, donor relations, marketing, and clinical and research teams to translate complex health care work into compelling narratives across multi-channel platforms.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, public affairs, healthcare communications, philanthropy communications, or a related field.
• Experience developing and executing integrated communications strategies.
• Experience creating compelling written content for diverse audiences, including executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of media relations, brand messaging, and multi-channel communications.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies that advance philanthropic priorities, fundraising campaigns, and organizational initiatives; serve as a trusted communications partner to philanthropy and executive leadership; identify opportunities to elevate the organization’s mission; ensure alignment with brand standards and fundraising objectives.
• Philanthropic Storytelling & Donor Communications: Develop compelling narratives that highlight the impact of philanthropic investments; support donor cultivation, stewardship, engagement, and retention; guide donor proposals and impact reports; translate complex healthcare information into accessible stories.
• Media Relations & Public Affairs: Develop and execute proactive media relations strategies; cultivate relationships with media outlets and external partners; prepare press materials and executive talking points; provide guidance on sensitive initiatives.
• Content Strategy & Integrated Communications: Lead development of engaging content across digital platforms and campaigns; establish editorial priorities and calendars; collaborate with internal teams for cohesive communications; evaluate content performance.
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Project Management: Lead projects involving philanthropy, marketing, donor relations, and external partners; manage multiple projects and stakeholders; mentor team members and partners.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Affairs, or a related field

Job description

At Texas Children's Hospital, our mission starts with our people. Guided by our HEART values-Humility, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Trust-we strive to create a workplace where teammates feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work every day.

Texas Children's is looking for a Manager Public Affairs focused on Philanthropy. In this position, you will serve as a strategic communications leader responsible for developing and driving integrated communications, media, and storytelling strategies that advance Texas Children's philanthropic priorities and fundraising goals. This role leads the planning, execution, and evaluation of communications initiatives that elevate donor engagement, strengthen brand reputation, and increase awareness of the transformational impact of philanthropy both within and outside the organization. The Manager partners with executive leadership, clinical and research teams, philanthropy leaders, donor relations, marketing, and external stakeholders to shape strategic narratives, identify opportunities for visibility and growth, and ensure alignment between philanthropic objectives and organizational priorities. This position oversees the development of high-impact, multi-channel communications programs that support fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship, thought leadership and institutional advancement.

Strategic Communications & Planning

• Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies that advance philanthropic priorities, fundraising campaigns, and organizational initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted communications partner to philanthropy and executive leadership, providing guidance on messaging, visibility opportunities, and stakeholder engagement.
• Identify opportunities to elevate Texas Children's philanthropic mission through strategic communications and public affairs initiatives.
• Ensure communications efforts align with organizational priorities, brand standards, and fundraising objectives.

Philanthropic Storytelling & Donor Communications

• Develop compelling narratives that highlight the impact of philanthropic investments on patients, families, research, and healthcare innovation.
• Partner with fundraising and donor relations teams to create strategic communications supporting donor cultivation, stewardship, engagement, and retention.
• Guide the development of donor proposals, case statements, impact reports, and other donor-facing materials.
• Collaborate with clinical, research, and operational teams to translate complex information into meaningful, accessible stories that inspire philanthropic support.

Media Relations & Public Affairs

• Develop and execute proactive media relations strategies that increase awareness of philanthropic initiatives, transformational gifts, and fundraising milestones.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, community stakeholders, and external partners to identify opportunities for earned media coverage.
• Prepare press materials, executive talking points, briefing documents, and strategic messaging.
• Provide communications guidance on sensitive or high-profile initiatives in coordination with organizational leadership.

Content Strategy & Integrated Communications

• Lead the development of engaging content across digital platforms, social media, publications, fundraising campaigns, and executive communications.
• Establish editorial priorities and content calendars to ensure timely, consistent, and impactful communications.
• Partner with internal creative, digital, and marketing teams to deliver cohesive, high-quality communications.
• Evaluate content performance and audience engagement to continuously improve communications effectiveness.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Project Management

• Lead communications projects involving philanthropy, marketing, donor relations, clinical leadership, and external partners.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels and influence communications priorities across teams.
• Manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities while maintaining exceptional quality and attention to detail.
• Establish measurable goals, track communications outcomes, and recommend improvements to strengthen overall effectiveness.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, contributors, and external agency partners as appropriate.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Affairs, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, public affairs, healthcare communications, philanthropy communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communications strategies.
• Experience creating compelling written content for diverse audiences, including executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of media relations, brand messaging, and multi-channel communications.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and co