Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The Director of Professional Trainings at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) will provide strategic leadership in delivering high-impact professional training services that empower clients and partners to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. This role will drive the advancement of AI adoption by offering tailored solutions that address complex challenges, enhance product and service innovation, and build organizational capabilities across industries, businesses, and the broader community. By fostering deep collaborations with government entities, corporate leaders, and research institutions, the Director will ensure that MBZUAI’s professional training services translate cutting-edge AI research into practical, scalable applications. Through a commitment to excellence, knowledge transfer, and strategic consulting, the incumbent will position MBZUAI as a global center of expertise, accelerating AI-driven progress and fostering sustainable development across key economic and societal sectors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop the university’s Artificial Intelligence professional training strategy and related policies and procedures based on the university’s strategy to drive and support the advancement of knowledge creation, transfer and use of artificial intelligence in Abu Dhabi and UAE.
- Develop AI consultancies and training programs in partnership and coordination with key stakeholders, in conjunction with the Global Engagement and Academic Affairs and Research organizational unit and in line with the gaps and challenges stakeholders are facing in the AI ecosystem.
- Manage effective and efficient delivery of the AI advisory and consultancy services to targeted customers including but not limited to government entities, large businesses, Small Medium Enterprises and AI Startups to ensure alignment and advancement of knowledge creation, transfer and use of artificial intelligence.
- Manage the effective and efficient delivery of the Al training services to targeted customers including but not limited to government entities, large businesses, Small Medium Enterprises and AI Startups, etc. to ensure alignment and advancement of knowledge creation, transfer and use of Artificial Intelligence.
- Develop the yearly professional trainings budget wherever applicable in conjunction with the Strategic Affairs and the Finance organizational units.
- Develop and manage professional training services Impact Performance Management Framework for the monitoring of delivery and impact of the university consulting and training programs as per the approved plans and ensure continuous support for the development and growth of the AI capabilities in Abu Dhabi and UAE.
- Ensure the optimal delivery of AI professional services for the targeted customers including but not limited to government, large businesses, Small Medium Enterprises and AI Startups, etc. in the areas of consulting, capability building and other professional training services (directly and/or through service providers).
- Manage the provision of professional training services by the respective service providers and ensure performance and delivery against the contractual requirements.
- Coordinate with the Academic Affairs and Research organizational unit for the participation of Academic faculty members in delivering certain consulting and training services in line with their specializations and academic qualifications.
- Coordinate with the Academic Affairs and Research organizational unit for the participation of students in delivering certain consulting and training services in line with their academic development plans and curricula.
- Coordinate with the Partnership Management organizational unit for the development and delivery of the AI professional training services through the development of the related partnerships accordingly (including but not limited to public and private sector organizations, international organizations, academic institutions, etc.
- Coordinate with the Marketing and Communication organizational unit for the exchange and submission of the required information for the development of promotional and training and consulting related material and the planning and implementation of any related events.
- Participate, in conjunction with Global Engagement, in the review of AI professional training services and market intelligence research and studies to ensure alignment to the market and AI ecosystem requirements.
- Participate in the development of a Revenue Enhancement Strategy for the university in conjunction with the Academic Affairs and Research, Outreach and Engagement and Institutional Effectiveness & Quality Assurance Organizational Units.
- Lead the planning and execution of business development activities to create more awareness about the training offered and to target potential clients
- Ensure continuous improvement across training services through Outreach and Global Engagement divisions.
Institutional Strategy:
- Manage the plans to ensure seamless operations that facilitate the achievement of the University strategic objectives.
- Ensure the timely provision of data and reports to the management and recommend operational improvements to support planning, decision making and continuous improvement.
- Monitor monthly and quarterly performance results, identify performance gaps and ramifications, and lead the development of corrective actions that tackle the root causes.
- Ensure that the Department priorities and plans are aligned with the university’s strategic objectives and are delivered, on time, within budgets and of the highest quality.
Financial & Organizational Management:
- Manage the budget across the department to ensure complete adherence and highlight any deviation from the plan in a timely manner and take corrective action as necessary and in line with the approved governance process.
- Consolidate budget inputs to formulate department budget and submit for approval and further consolidation.
- Promote usage of technology resources and cross-collaboration between departments within the university.
- Ensure implementation of policies and procedures applicable to the department.
People Management:
- Manage the formulation of workforce planning reports and talent acquisition plan and budgets for the Department to ensure adequate staffing for optimal operational smoothness and submit to the head for approval.
- Set performance management objectives for all assigned employees and perform mid-year and year end performance reviews.
- Monitor performance and give ad-hoc advice when necessary to ensure that performance objectives are met.
- Identify talent for pivotal roles from a succession management standpoint to ensure business continuity and liaise with Human Resources for enrolment in the necessary programs.
- Provide guidance to employees on operational and people management matters.
- Provide employees with mentoring and coaching when necessary to ensure that they are well equipped to tackle the operational requirements from a professional and behavioral standpoint.
Academic Qualifications & Professional Experience:
- Master’s degree in business administration or equivalent.
- A PhD degree will be preferable.
- 10-12 years of which 7 years in a leadership position.
