Job Summary:

The Director of Partnerships will be a key leader in the development and Dhahran Techno Valley (DTV). This senior-level role is responsible for building, nurturing, and expanding strategic relationships with external partners, with a particular focus on research and technology centers, and for significantly increasing the level of collaboration with KFUPM. The Director will lead a dedicated team to develop, manage, and monitor the performance of these partnerships, ensuring they contribute to the Zone's mission of fostering innovation, research commercialization, and economic development.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Partnerships and Relationship Building:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive partnership strategy aligned with the DTV’s long-term goals.
• Proactively identify, cultivate, and secure new relationships with leading research institutions, technology centers, corporate R&D divisions, and government agencies.
• Serve as the primary liaison for KFUPM, working closely with faculty, researchers, and administration to identify collaboration opportunities, co-create programs, and facilitate technology transfer.

2. Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing team responsible for partnership development, program management, and performance monitoring.
• Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and professional development plans for the team.
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture that is focused on exceeding partnership objectives.

3. Program Development and Management:

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to co-develop innovative programs, joint research initiatives, shared labs, and co-located R&D facilities.
• Ensure that all partnership agreements are structured to be mutually beneficial, scalable, and aligned with the Zone's mission.
• Oversee the end-to-end management of partnership programs, from ideation and negotiation to implementation and launch.

4. Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for all partnerships and collaboration initiatives. These may include metrics such as:
• Number of joint research projects initiated.
• Number of co-authored publications.
• Patents filed or licensed.
• Startups created or supported.
• Investment attracted .
• Student and faculty engagement levels.
• Regularly analyze partnership performance data and prepare reports for senior management and the DTV leadership team.
• Use performance data to inform strategic decisions, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate the value of DTV’s stakeholders.

5. Budget and Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the partnerships budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support strategic initiatives.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, grants, and sponsorships to support collaborative projects.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Science, Engineering, Public Policy). A Master's degree or Ph.D. is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior business development, partnerships, or external relations role, preferably within a research, technology, or innovation-focused environment.
• Proven track record of building and managing complex, multi-stakeholder partnerships with universities, research centers, and corporate entities.
• Deep understanding of the innovation ecosystem, including technology commercialization, intellectual property, and academic-industry collaboration.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to define KPIs, measure performance, and report on outcomes.
• Ability to work strategically and tactically in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.