Strategy Director Jobs in Houston, TX
Strategy Director jobs in Houston are in strong demand, with openings concentrated in the Energy Corridor, Greenway Plaza, and Downtown across energy, healthcare, and professional services. Employers hiring right now include Comcast, Westlake Corporation, and Ezee Fiber. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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INTRODUCTION
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.
The Director, Business Development & Commercial Strategy will lead and oversee the development and growth of collaborative and commercial opportunities with the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries, as well as with not-for-profit organizations, to create and maximize value for MDACC. The successful candidate's responsibilities will include engaging directly with industry and institutional leadership to develop, lead, and manage opportunities that align with institutional strategy and vision.
KEY FUNCTIONS
- Develop data-driven collaboration and commercialization strategies and models that align with institutional priorities, resources, and vision to maximize short-term and long-term value of MDACC assets and resources resulting in positive impact to patients, the scientific community, and the institution's margin.
- Lead opportunities throughout the business development life cycle and across the intellectual property portfolio. Activities include prospecting, deal design, negotiation, and general relationship management to see opportunities through to execution and beyond.
- Manage a high performing team of business development professionals responsible for supporting innovation and entrepreneurship through diligence, design, negotiation, and implementation of transactions (including, but not limited to, licenses, collaborations, options, newco formation, joint ventures) across the Strategic Industry Ventures team.
- Understands the internal and external environments in which we work; synthesizes complex scientific, technical, business, and financial information; and navigates the most complex challenges with high emotional intelligence and wisdom to reach conclusion and solution.
- Spearhead new programs and best practices to move industry transactions forward, and market MDACC priorities and resources both on and off campus. This includes serving as point person and subject matter expert for internal and external relationships.
- Establish strategic alignment among internal stakeholders to implement, review and report on executed and existing business development projects (including collaborations, license agreements, etc.) to ensure the agreement and institutional objectives are well understood and executed according to the contract terms. Develop external relationships: Actively engage, cultivate, and manage relationships with large and small biopharmaceutical companies, venture capital, other academic institutions, non-profit agencies, and foundations to ensure efficient execution and achievement of milestones.
- Develop internal relationships: Develop and maintain relationships and a collaborative culture across MDACC in support of the Institution's and SIV's goals, including but not limited to, IP management team, transaction team, operations, faculty at large; and Legal, Business, Finance, Administration, and Communication strategy teams.
- Represent SIV on institutional committees and at industry conferences to further promote the institutional strategy and priorities for strategic industry transactions.
Education
Required: Advanced degree in business administration, health administration, public health, biomedical science, or equivalent degree
Experience
Required:
- Ten (10) years of demonstrated successful track record in business development, strategy, and/or operations with significant experience and deal negotiation in and/or with the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Five (5) years of leadership experience.
Preferred:
Knowledge of business and management principles; knowledge of licensing terminology and economics; and excellent business acumen.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrates passion and enthusiasm for the Institution's overall mission and for working in a non-profit high energy environment.
- Leads with high emotional intelligence (EQ) and the ability to handle complex situations deftly and discreetly.
- Demonstrates excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Maintains ability to impact financial planning and administration both strategically and tactically.
- Displays excellent written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior and executive leadership, faculty, and staff.
- Maintains an established network of contacts within biopharmaceutical and non-profit organizations.
- Demonstrates strong project, time, and people management skills to maintain organization of multiple transactions and (commonly shifting) activities across SIV pipeline.
- Demonstrates strong analytical skills and the ability to connect dots across various contracts, projects, and relationships.
- Desires a work environment that is energetic, fast-paced, collaborative and proactive.
- Demonstrates flexibility and strong ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work in an evolving environment.
- Self-motivated, self-disciplined, and able to function independently as well as part of a team.
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.
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 181643
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 232,000
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 252,000
- Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 273,000
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
- Pivotal Position: No
- Referral Bonus Available?: No
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
LI-Hybrid
INTRODUCTION
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.
The Director, Business Development & Commercial Strategy will lead and oversee the development and growth of collaborative and commercial opportunities with the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries, as well as with not-for-profit organizations, to create and maximize value for MDACC. The successful candidate's responsibilities will include engaging directly with industry and institutional leadership to develop, lead, and manage opportunities that align with institutional strategy and vision.
KEY FUNCTIONS
- Develop data-driven collaboration and commercialization strategies and models that align with institutional priorities, resources, and vision to maximize short-term and long-term value of MDACC assets and resources resulting in positive impact to patients, the scientific community, and the institution's margin.
- Lead opportunities throughout the business development life cycle and across the intellectual property portfolio. Activities include prospecting, deal design, negotiation, and general relationship management to see opportunities through to execution and beyond.
- Manage a high performing team of business development professionals responsible for supporting innovation and entrepreneurship through diligence, design, negotiation, and implementation of transactions (including, but not limited to, licenses, collaborations, options, newco formation, joint ventures) across the Strategic Industry Ventures team.
- Understands the internal and external environments in which we work; synthesizes complex scientific, technical, business, and financial information; and navigates the most complex challenges with high emotional intelligence and wisdom to reach conclusion and solution.
- Spearhead new programs and best practices to move industry transactions forward, and market MDACC priorities and resources both on and off campus. This includes serving as point person and subject matter expert for internal and external relationships.
- Establish strategic alignment among internal stakeholders to implement, review and report on executed and existing business development projects (including collaborations, license agreements, etc.) to ensure the agreement and institutional objectives are well understood and executed according to the contract terms. Develop external relationships: Actively engage, cultivate, and manage relationships with large and small biopharmaceutical companies, venture capital, other academic institutions, non-profit agencies, and foundations to ensure efficient execution and achievement of milestones.
- Develop internal relationships: Develop and maintain relationships and a collaborative culture across MDACC in support of the Institution's and SIV's goals, including but not limited to, IP management team, transaction team, operations, faculty at large; and Legal, Business, Finance, Administration, and Communication strategy teams.
- Represent SIV on institutional committees and at industry conferences to further promote the institutional strategy and priorities for strategic industry transactions.
Education
Required: Advanced degree in business administration, health administration, public health, biomedical science, or equivalent degree
Experience
Required:
- Ten (10) years of demonstrated successful track record in business development, strategy, and/or operations with significant experience and deal negotiation in and/or with the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Five (5) years of leadership experience.
Preferred:
Knowledge of business and management principles; knowledge of licensing terminology and economics; and excellent business acumen.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrates passion and enthusiasm for the Institution's overall mission and for working in a non-profit high energy environment.
- Leads with high emotional intelligence (EQ) and the ability to handle complex situations deftly and discreetly.
- Demonstrates excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Maintains ability to impact financial planning and administration both strategically and tactically.
- Displays excellent written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior and executive leadership, faculty, and staff.
- Maintains an established network of contacts within biopharmaceutical and non-profit organizations.
- Demonstrates strong project, time, and people management skills to maintain organization of multiple transactions and (commonly shifting) activities across SIV pipeline.
- Demonstrates strong analytical skills and the ability to connect dots across various contracts, projects, and relationships.
- Desires a work environment that is energetic, fast-paced, collaborative and proactive.
- Demonstrates flexibility and strong ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work in an evolving environment.
- Self-motivated, self-disciplined, and able to function independently as well as part of a team.
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.
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 181643
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 232,000
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 252,000
- Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 273,000
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
- Pivotal Position: No
- Referral Bonus Available?: No
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
LI-Hybrid
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Find Strategy Director JobsStrategy Director Job Market in Houston
Who's Hiring
- Comcast7
- Westlake Corporation7
- Ezee Fiber4
- Quest Diagnostics4
- Lockton3
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services31
- Technology & Software27
- Insurance18
- Manufacturing14
- Chemicals & Materials13
Strategy Director Jobs in Houston: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a strategy director job in Houston?
The strongest path is targeting Houston's dominant sectors: energy, healthcare systems, and engineering and construction firms, all of which run dedicated strategy functions. Roles concentrate in the Energy Corridor, Greenway Plaza, and the Texas Medical Center area. Candidates with experience in corporate development, M&A, or operational strategy stand out locally, and familiarity with Houston's commodity-driven business cycles gives you a clear edge over generalist applicants.
Which companies hire strategy directors in Houston?
Companies currently hiring strategy directors in Houston include Comcast, Westlake Corporation, and Ezee Fiber, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Houston's hiring base skews toward large integrated energy companies, major health systems, and global engineering and infrastructure firms that maintain in-house strategy teams.
Are there remote strategy director jobs in Houston?
Yes, though strategy director roles are less remote-friendly than individual contributor positions because the work typically involves cross-functional stakeholder alignment and executive engagement that favors in-person presence. About 40% of strategy director openings tied to Houston are remote or hybrid as of June 2026. Where remote flexibility does exist, it tends to apply to research-heavy or early-stage planning work rather than execution and governance responsibilities.
How can I get a strategy director job in Houston with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Houston is through a senior manager or associate director role in corporate strategy, business development, or planning at one of the city's major energy companies or health systems, which routinely promote from within. Lateral moves from management consulting, investment banking, or financial planning and analysis are common entry points locally. Building familiarity with energy markets or healthcare operations gives Houston-based candidates a measurable advantage over those with purely generalist backgrounds.
Which industries hire the most strategy directors in Houston?
Houston strategy director roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Technology & Software, and Insurance, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Houston's position as the global capital of the energy industry, combined with the Texas Medical Center being the world's largest medical complex, creates sustained and outsized demand for senior strategy talent across both sectors.
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