Strategic Partnerships Manager

Roles and responsibilities

The Strategic Partnerships Head is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and management of the organization's Incentives Program to attract, onboard, and retain strategic partners. This role ensures that incentives align with sector priorities, contribute to the development of Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem, and adhere to global best practices. The Incentive Head will provide strategic oversight, manage high-level negotiations, and foster partnerships that drive economic growth, talent development, and innovation within the sector. Additionally, the role involves ensuring the effective use of resources, maintaining compliance with program guidelines, and advocating for policies that enhance Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness.

Strategic Oversight

• Define the overall vision, objectives, and strategy for the Incentives Program, aligning with the organization's goals and Abu Dhabi’s sector priorities.

• Lead the development and implementation of long-term incentive frameworks to attract and retain strategic partners.

Stakeholder Management

• Represent the organization in high-level negotiations with key partners to secure incentive agreements, ensuring alignment with sectoral growth and ecosystem development goals.

• Build and maintain relationships with government bodies, industry stakeholders, and global partners to promote Abu Dhabi as a competitive business and production destination.

Budget & Policy Leadership

• Oversee the development and management of the incentives budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and alignment with sector priorities.

• Approve and enforce updates to the Incentives Program policy, ensuring compliance with global best practices and local regulatory requirements.

Program Evaluation & Compliance

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of incentive agreements and programs, ensuring that agreed commitments (e.g., ecosystem contributions, talent development) are achieved.

• Ensure that all incentive agreements meet qualitative and quantitative criteria, maintaining transparency and accountability.

Team Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction to the Incentives team, ensuring efficient coordination across internal departments for the onboarding and management of partners.

• Develop a high-performing team by mentoring staff, fostering collaboration, and driving professional growth.

Policy Advocacy & Development

• Advocate for policy changes and new incentive structures that enhance Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness.

• Collaborate with leadership to propose new initiatives and present strategic recommendations to the Executive Council.

Program Communication

• Oversee the marketing and communication strategy for the Incentives Program, ensuring clear, consistent messaging to attract potential partners.

• Act as the primary spokesperson for the Incentives Program in high-profile industry events and forums.

Desired candidate profile

Provide leadership and direction to the Incentives team, ensuring efficient coordination across internal departments for the onboarding and management of partners.

• Develop a high-performing team by mentoring staff, fostering collaboration, and driving professional growth.

Policy Advocacy & Development

• Advocate for policy changes and new incentive structures that enhance Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness.

• Collaborate with leadership to propose new initiatives and present strategic recommendations to the Executive Council.

Program Communication

• Oversee the marketing and communication strategy for the Incentives Program, ensuring clear, consistent messaging to attract potential partners.

• Act as the primary spokesperson for the Incentives Program in high-profile industry events and forums.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in the Business Administration, Finance or related area, preferably with a specialization in the media industry, from an internationally recognized academic institution accredited by the United Arab Emirates

Experience

• 8 years relevant work experience in in a leadership role, with a focus on managing incentive programs, commercial agreements, or economic development initiatives

• Preferred Experience in Media especially Film & TV Production