Founding Director of Arts, Cultural

A leading institution within the
arts, culture, and creative industries
is launching a bold new strategic initiative: the creation of a
groundbreaking platform designed to elevate, connect, and empower the region's cultural and design ecosystem
. This venture will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of creativity, innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration across the Middle East.

We have been exclusively retained to appoint a
Founding Director of Arts, Cultural & Design Ventures,
an exceptional senior leader who will architect, build, and launch this new business vertical from the ground up.

This is a
rare, high-influence, high-visibility role
that combines the autonomy of a founder with the backing and reach of a major cultural institution. The ideal candidate will be a visionary, a connector, and a builder, someone capable of shaping a platform that will become a defining force in the regional cultural and design landscape.

Role Summary

The Founding Director will create, lead, and scale a new platform that serves
architects, interior designers, creative studios, cultural leaders, innovators, institutions, developers, and key stakeholders
within the design and culture ecosystem.

This is an opportunity to develop a
flagship venture
that drives engagement, fosters collaboration, amplifies cultural value, and strengthens the region's creative economy.

You will own every aspect of this vertical:

strategy, structure, brand, operations, revenue model, partnerships, programming, industry engagement, and long-term growth.

This is an exceptional leadership mandate suited to someone who wants to shape the future of cultural and design development at a regional level.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Vision & Sector Leadership

• Build the full strategy for a new cultural & design ecosystem platform with regional influence.
• Develop a multi-year strategic roadmap, including value proposition, operating framework, long-term growth strategy, and measurable outcomes.
• Identify regional gaps and opportunities within the cultural and design sectors, creating solutions that elevate the ecosystem as a whole.
• Position the platform as a
  regional authority and thought leader
  in design, culture, and creative innovation.

2. Industry Partnerships & Ecosystem Building

• Forge deep, strategic relationships with architecture firms, design studios, cultural institutions, development companies, universities, creative hubs, and government bodies.
• Lead high-level partnerships that unlock revenue, visibility, and industry integration.
• Build an influential network of cultural and design leaders, thought partners, and industry collaborators.
• Act as the ambassador and public face of this new venture, representing it across the GCC and internationally.

3. Commercial Development & Revenue Leadership

• Develop a sustainable commercial model incorporating memberships, strategic partnerships, programs, events, consultancy, and tailored services.
• Create revenue strategies with clear financial targets and growth pathways.
• Manage the business P&L, ensuring the venture grows with commercial and cultural value in balance.
• Lead negotiations with partners, sponsors, and major industry players.

4. Platform Launch & Operational Leadership

• Build the infrastructure, processes, and workflows needed to launch and manage a new business vertical.
• Collaborate across internal departments (marketing, communications, events, content, partnerships) to create an integrated operational model.
• Oversee branding, identity development, and communication strategy for the new platform's launch.
• Lead the evaluation of technology platforms, digital tools, CRM systems, and community management solutions.

5. Programming, Content & Community Development

• Design a year-round program of high-impact initiatives, including:
• curated events
• leadership roundtables
• cultural dialogues
• design industry workshops
• exhibitions and showcases
• thought leadership content
• policy discussions
• innovation labs
• mentorship and accelerator programs
• Develop a content strategy that positions the platform as a thought leader in cultural and design development.
• Build a thriving, engaged, influential community that spans disciplines and industries.

6. Leadership, Culture & Team Building

• Build and lead a high-performing team as the platform scales.
• Set the cultural tone for a pioneering, mission-driven venture.
• Establish operational excellence, governance models, and performance metrics.
• Lead cross-functional engagement with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a
high-calibre senior leader
with deep knowledge of the design, architecture, cultural, or creative industries and the ability to build a new institution-level vertical with impact and authority.

Experience & Capabilities

• 8+ years of experience across design, architecture, cultural institutions, design fairs, innovation platforms, creative industries, or ecosystem development.
• Strong network within the GCC's cultural and design landscape.
• Proven track record in launching initiatives, building platforms, driving partnerships, or leading sector-level programs.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute multi-year strategic plans.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing revenue models, partnerships, or P&L.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities at the senior level.
• Highly entrepreneurial, resourceful, and comfortable with autonomy and ambiguity.

Preferred

• Arabic language
• Experience working on high-level cultural or design sector initiatives
• Experience scaling communities, platforms, or industry ecosystems