Internal Communications Program Director

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Program Director, Internal Communications, that will partner with leaders across UT MD Anderson to produce and direct strategic communications that inform internal audiences of the institution's technology and digital operations infrastructure; data and data governance initiatives; technology-related risks and data-loss prevention techniques with an emphasis on cybersecurity best practices; opportunities and tools related to artificial intelligence, agentic workflows and other AI uses, disciplines, programs and innovations.

This position develops, implements, manages and supports institutional messaging in the form of news writing, editing, developing programmatic messaging, leadership consultation, strategic and logistical planning for technology-related communications projects/programs. The position incorporates a high level of creativity; respect for confidentiality; independent planning and decision-making; technical interest, understanding and translation for non-technical audiences; as well as effective problem-solving skills.

UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Program Director, Internal Communications contributes to this mission by enhancing understanding of critical technology initiatives, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data governance, ensuring that employees are informed, engaged, and equipped to support institutional priorities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in writing in a communications position. Candidates who currently reside or are willing to relocate to the State of Texas are also preferred.

Position Information

Salary: Minimum: Minimum $106,500 - Midpoint $133,000 - Maximum $159,500

Work Location: Remote in Texas. May require additional onsite attendance as needed for various events and to support business operations.

Why Us?

This role offers the opportunity to shape how critical technology and data initiatives are understood across UT MD Anderson while partnering with leadership to drive meaningful organizational impact. The position supports professional growth through high-visibility projects, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and the ability to influence communication strategy at an institutional level, while maintaining a strong work-life balance within a mission-driven environment.

• 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

Communications Program Strategies and Consulting

• Develops, manages, measures and consults on institution-wide internal communications focused on UT MD Anderson's technologies and data.
• Creates, implements and manages communications strategies, tactics, plans and products to communicate the goals and activities related to information technology systems and applications for all internal audiences.
• Routinely interacts with leadership, attends key meetings and is available for consultation.
• Communicates about a variety of topics including information technology; information security; data strategies; and innovative development, application or adoption of new/developing technologies.
• Collaborate with colleagues from other areas within Strategic Communications and Institutional Affairs to share relevant information and create print, digital and broadcast materials.
  
  

Enhance Visibility and Strategies of Leadership

• Create, manage and evaluate communications plans to ensure leadership understanding and support of communications, specifically as it relates to the topics of technology adoption, cybersecurity, data analytics and artificial intelligence.
• Assist with timely communication of planned and unplanned technology outages and changes.
• Use storytelling techniques to highlight leaders and employees who demonstrate thoughtful technology adoption/utilization across all areas.
• Tactics may include coordinating and promoting face-to-face/virtual programs, as well as multimedia deliverables.
  
  

Writing and Editing

• Clear, consistent writing and editing in all work product.
• Command of Associated Press Style, as well as UT MD Anderson style.
• Contribute to digital and print publications (e.g., intranet News posts or Annual Report contributions), and other programs and services through intranet articles and site content, leadership emails, presentation slide development, video and event scripting, fliers or other materials.
  
  

People Management

• Manage direct reports and support the development of team members
• Provide guidance and oversight for communications projects involving technical subject matter
• Facilitate review of work products created by others related to technology communications
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure quality and consistency across deliverables
  
  

Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION

• Required: Bachelor's Degree English, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or related field.
• Preferred: Master's Degree English, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or related field.
  
  

Work Experience

• Required: Seven years of experience public relations, communications, writing/editing or related field and three years of lead/project management/supervisory/management experience.
• Required: Five years Required experience with Master's degree.
• 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.
  
  

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

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 181206
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 106,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 133,000
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 159,500
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Hard
• Work Location: Remote (within Texas only)
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes