Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The Partnership Specialist supports the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) strategic engagement initiatives by assisting in the identification, development, and management of key partnerships across academia, industry, and government sectors. Reporting to the Head of Partnership Management, the Specialist plays a vital role in expanding MBZUAI’s global reach, fostering collaboration, securing strategic funding opportunities, and promoting institutional growth through effective relationship management.
Key Responsibilities:
Partnership Development and Management:
- Assist in researching, identifying, and developing strategic partnerships that align with MBZUAI’s academic, research, and engagement objectives.
- Support relationship-building activities with existing and potential partners including corporations, government agencies, academic institutions, and philanthropic organizations.
- Contribute to the negotiation, review, and management of partnership agreements, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and compliance with relevant regulations.
Program Coordination and Support:
- Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of partnership-related programs, events, and initiatives.
- Support the preparation of partnership proposals, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and engagement reports.
- Maintain records and databases of partnership activities and outcomes, ensuring accurate and up-to-date documentation.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Serve as a key point of contact for day-to-day coordination with external partners.
- Collaborate internally with departments such as Academic Affairs, Research, Strategy, and Marketing and Communications to support partnership goals.
- Support efforts to engage and cultivate brand ambassadors and influencers to enhance MBZUAI’s visibility.
Strategic Support and Reporting:
- Assist in the development of localized engagement strategies and contribute to global engagement plans.
- Collect, analyze, and report partnership performance metrics to inform strategy and decision-making.
- Monitor partnership activities to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and identify opportunities for growth.
Other Duties:
- Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.
Qualifications and Experience:
- A bachelor’s degree in business administration, international relations, or a related field.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in partnership development, program coordination, or a related area, with a proven track record in establishing successful partnerships.
- Strong understanding of the higher education landscape, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Fluency in English; proficiency in additional languages is advantageous.
Preferred:
- A postgraduate degree in a related field is preferred.
- Previous experience in benchmarking from leading universities and/or research institutions in the areas of partnerships and public relations.
- Familiarity with data analysis and reporting tools, and the ability to use data-driven insights to inform decision-making.
- Ability to work in international networks to develop collaborative research and educational projects.
- Familiarity with UAE/GCC educational and regulatory policies.
- Multilingual working proficiency.
