Strategic Program Manager, Science Communications

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center; Texas; Hybrid; USD 93,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Paid holidays / PTO

Tuition assistance

Pension plan

Job summary

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Program Manager, Division Publications to lead content creation for the James P. Allison Institute and translate scientific priorities into engaging materials for internal and external audiences.

You will manage external and internal communications across web, intranet, social media, events, presentations and publications, collaborating with Institutional Affairs to raise the Allison Institute’s visibility and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications or related field is required.
• Six years in public relations, communications, writing/editing or related field, including healthcare/science/academia; Master’s degree reduces experience to four years.

Responsibilities

• Manage external and internal communications for the James P. Allison Institute, including content creation, prioritization and approval.
• Coordinate with Institutional Affairs and Philanthropy to develop press releases, outreach, and external communications.
• Develop multimedia content for web, intranet, social media, events, and publications, aligned with brand standards.

Skills

Writing & editing

Content development

Project management

Public relations

Education

Bachelor’s Degree English, Journalism, Communications or related field

Master’s Degree English, Journalism, Communications or related field

Job description

UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Program Manager, Division Publications supports communications initiatives for the James P. Allison Institute, helping translate scientific and organizational priorities into engaging content for internal and external audiences. The Program Manager, Division Publications works closely with leadership and stakeholders to advance awareness of research, education, and institutional achievements.

The primary purpose of the Program Manager, Division Publications — Allison Institute, position is to manage external and internal communications activities related to UT MD Anderson’s James P. Allison Institute, including content development for web, intranet, members’ social media, events, presentations, etc. The program manager aligns with organizational brand and quality standards, policies and procedures, and works in collaboration with colleagues in Institutional Affairs, including Strategic Communications, External Affairs, Cause Alliances and Philanthropy, to enhance Allison Institute’s visibility and reputation while educating on advances across all audiences.

The ideal candidate will have experience managing communications projects and developing content for websites, intranet pages, social media, presentations, reports, publications, and other communications materials. They should possess strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to translate scientific, healthcare, or academic information into clear and engaging content for a variety of audiences. This individual will play a key role in increasing the visibility and impact of the Allison Institute through strategic communications, digital content, publications, and stakeholder engagement. They will also be responsible for ensuring the website and internal communication platforms remain current, engaging, and aligned with departmental priorities.

Salary Range: Minimum $92,500 – Midpoint $115,500 – Maximum $138,500

Work Location: Houston, Tx. This is a Hybrid role, with onsite expectations at least 2 days a week, though additional onsite presence may be required based on business needs.

Why Us?

Join UT MD Anderson and contribute to meaningful communications that highlight breakthroughs in cancer research, education, and patient care. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with scientific and institutional leaders, develop strategic communication initiatives, and grow professionally while supporting an organization dedicated to improving lives.

• 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.

Program/Project Management:

• Manages and develops external and internal communications in support of the James P. Allison Institute, including content creation, prioritization and approval.
• Routinely meets with Allison Institute leadership to understand ongoing/emerging priorities to effectively translate into UT MD Anderson and Allison Institute’s overall communications strategies.
• Develops multimedia content and manages projects for web, intranet, social media, presentations, events, reports and proposals, in accordance with UT MD Anderson brand and quality standards, policies and procedures.
• Collaborates and closely coordinates with Institutional Affairs and Philanthropy colleagues to develop press releases, outreach to media, philanthropy communications, and corporate/external outreach.

Writing/Editing:

• Oversees writing, editing and approval of Allison Institute communications.
• Regularly writes and edits copy for UT MD Anderson platforms for external and internal audiences.
• Clear, consistent writing and editing in all work products.
• Command of Associated Press and UT MD Anderson style.
• Proactively tracks down communications and story ideas.

Social Media:

• In accordance with UT MD Anderson policies, procedures and best practices, creates editorial calendars in alignment with overall communications strategies, develops content and supports posting for Allison Institute members’ social media accounts.
• Ensures cybersecurity in all activities.

Measurement:

• Consistently tracks and analyzes success of program, projects and initiatives, provides status reports and identifies as well as solves potential problems.
• Regularly provides reports to Allison Institute leaders IA colleagues, and key stakeholders.

Core Competencies:

Tech/Functional Expertise:

• Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession
• Provide technical expertise to others

Self Adaptability:

• Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change
• Deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks
• Demonstrate flexibility

Strategic Thinking:

• Define strategic goal and issues clearly
• Apply broad knowledge and experience when addressing strategic issues
• Foresee obstacles and opportunities relating to change or improvement

Innovative Thinking:

• Approach problems with curiosity and open-mindedness
• Offer new ideas, solutions and/or options

Business Acumen:

• Understand the impact of the job within the institution
• Have and use cross-functional knowledge to understand interdepartmental connections

Service Orientation:

• Promotes belonging and collegiality by demonstrating respect and professionalism to others at all times
• Models safe, ethical behavior, mitigating risk to the institution through sound business practices and adherence to MD Anderson’s Standards of Conduct and institutional policies and procedures
• Responds to requests in a timely manner, communicating expectations for procedures, service arrival, or project deliverables to patients and co-workers.

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Required: Bachelor’s Degree English, Journalism, Communications or related field.

Preferred:Master’s Degree English, Journalism, Communications or related field. Preferred

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Six years in public relations, communications, writing/editing or related field, to include one year experience in healthcare, science or academic field. With Master’s degree, four years experience to include one year experience in healthcare, science or academic field.

Preferred: Maintain and update the external website and internal communications pages. Create and support presentations on a bi-weekly basis. Draft press releases. Track and analyze KPIs and engagement metrics, including website traffic and audience reach. Support content development and promotional efforts for the Annual Symposium and other key initiatives. Strong writing, editing, and content development skills. Experience utilizing communication channels such as websites, social media, publications, and presentations. Comfortable bringing forward new ideas and continuously looking for ways to improve processes and outcomes. Experience in academic medicine, healthcare, research, or scientific environments is preferred. Scientific background is a plus but not required. Podcast experience is a plus.

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
Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 182932
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Day/Evening, Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 92,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 115,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 138,500
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes