Project Director - AI

Project Director For Project Management

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Project Director for Project Management within the Technology, Data & Innovation (TDI) PMO. The Project Director for Project Management plays a critical leadership role guiding project teams, aligning initiatives to enterprise strategy, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex programs across a diverse portfolio. The TDI PMO supports enterprise-wide technology, data, and innovation initiatives, helping translate strategic priorities into actionable, high-impact projects. The Project Director for Project Management will operate at the intersection of strategic planning and execution, serving as a liaison between portfolio leaders, sponsors, and technical teams. This Project Director for Project Management ensures adherence to PMO standards while driving efficiency, collaboration, and measurable outcomes across multiple large-scale initiatives. The ideal candidate brings a bachelor's degree or master's, significant project and program management experience within application and/or infrastructure services, and a strong track record of leading large, complex, enterprise-wide initiatives. Preferred candidates demonstrate experience leading AI implementations, managing technology and innovation programs, and operating in healthcare environments, along with strong communication, leadership, and proactive problem-solving capabilities.

Minimum $70.43 Midpoint $87.98 Maximum $105.53 per hour Work Location: Houston Medical Center The work schedule is Hybrid Onsite/Remote

Why Us? This role offers the opportunity to lead high-impact programs that directly support UT MD Anderson's mission to eliminate cancer, while working alongside innovative leaders in technology, data, and healthcare. The Project Director for Project Management contributes to meaningful organizational transformation while benefiting from a collaborative environment, professional development opportunities, and a strong commitment to work-life balance.

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 while coaching and mentoring for growth
• Oversee team performance and ensure successful delivery of project outcomes
• Manage recruitment and hiring of qualified personnel
• Align initiatives with organizational objectives and support TDI leadership in portfolio planning
• Apply business acumen to evaluate industry trends, financial considerations, and operational needs
• Engage stakeholders to communicate value, manage expectations, and provide process guidance

Project & Program Execution

• Lead large, complex programs and projects from initiation through closure following PMO standards
• Define project expectations and ensure stakeholder alignment
• Document decision-making processes and project changes
• Collaborate with technical teams to define system requirements, specifications, and architecture
• Coordinate testing, training, and production support model development for end users
• Ensure quality of deliverables and adherence to PMO processes and performance metrics

Resource & Financial Management

• Oversee allocation of human, financial, and operational resources
• Identify resource needs and communicate constraints with leadership and stakeholders
• Support budgeting, cost analysis, and financial forecasting activities
• Monitor project financials and ensure adherence to budget expectations

Risk & Process Optimization

• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks impacting schedule, scope, and cost
• Initiate corrective actions to maintain project timelines and quality
• Evaluate and improve processes, tools, and best practices to drive efficiency
• Promote consistency and accuracy of project data across reporting

Communication & Organizational Effectiveness

• Communicate clear expectations regarding deliverables, timelines, and risks
• Facilitate effective stakeholder communication across multiple channels
• Resolve issues impacting direct and indirect reports
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders
• Conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, and foster team collaboration
• Adapt strategies and approaches to dynamic environments and evolving priorities

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 AI 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 in an IT environment, healthcare preferred.
• 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, experience managing AI and ML, must have excellent communication skills, be self-driven and proactive.

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