Head of Strategy and Operations

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE (Relocation assistance provided)

Role Purpose

The Head of Strategy and Partnerships will lead DCAD’s strategic planning, external partnerships and stakeholder relationships. The role is responsible for building meaningful collaborations that strengthen DCAD’s position within Abu Dhabi’s creative, cultural and education landscape.

This person will turn DCAD’s vision into practical plans and lead the development and delivery of strategic projects, programmes and events. They will ensure partnerships and initiatives are well coordinated from initial discussion through to successful delivery.

This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who is relationship driven, highly organised and experienced in delivering projects and events within the fashion, design or wider creative ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Lead the development and delivery of DCAD’s partnership and strategic project plans.
• Identify opportunities that support DCAD’s long term objectives, reputation and programme ambitions. Translate priorities into clear action plans, timelines, responsibilities and measurable outcomes.
• Support leadership with partnership recommendations, strategic planning, proposals and presentations.
• Monitor the fashion, design, culture and education landscape to identify relevant opportunities for DCAD.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Relationships

• Build and manage senior relationships with government entities, cultural organisations, educational institutions, brands, developers, hospitality groups and other strategic partners.
• Represent DCAD confidently in meetings, presentations, industry events and partnership discussions.
• Lead partnership discussions and develop clear scopes, proposals, agreements and joint delivery plans.
• Maintain strong communication with partners and ensure commitments are delivered professionally and on time.
• Strengthen DCAD’s presence and relationships within Abu Dhabi’s fashion, design and creative communities.

Projects, Programmes and Events

• Lead the planning and delivery of DCAD’s strategic projects, programmes, activations and events.
• Work with internal teams and external partners to develop relevant, engaging and well executed initiatives.
• Manage project plans, budgets, suppliers, event partners, timelines and delivery requirements.
• Ensure every project and event reflects DCAD’s vision, standards and strategic priorities. Prepare post project reports, stakeholder updates and recommendations for future activity.

Team Coordination and Delivery

• Own the overall coordination of DCAD’s strategic partnership agenda across the organisation.
• Work closely with Junnie on residency and school partnerships, ensuring these relationships are supported within the wider strategy.
• Guide and coordinate Lily’s external partnership support, including research, relationship tracking, proposals, follow up and delivery requirements.
• Collaborate with Molly to ensure partnership activity, projects and events are communicated effectively through social media and other channels.
• Work closely with leadership and operations to ensure initiatives are properly planned, resourced, documented and delivered.

Qualifications and Experience

• Significant experience in strategy, partnerships, project management, event management, cultural programming or a related senior role.
• Demonstrated experience delivering projects, programmes or events from planning through to completion.
• Strong understanding of the UAE and Abu Dhabi landscape, particularly across government, culture, education, fashion, design, retail or hospitality.
• Proven ability to manage senior stakeholders and partnerships with professionalism and sound judgement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Arabic is an advantage.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinker who can turn ideas into practical, well organised plans.
• Strong relationship builder with a professional, approachable manner.
• Confident communicator who can represent DCAD with credibility at senior level.
• Excellent project and event management skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities, partnerships and deadlines.