Director of Business Development & Partnerships

Position: Director of Business Development & Partnerships

Reports to:  Executive Director

Level: Senior Management

Job Summary: The Director of Business Development & Partnerships executes AmCham Abu Dhabi’s strategic growth agenda by developing high-value partnerships, diversifying revenue streams, and enhancing member services. The role oversees membership acquisition, corporate engagement, sponsorships, and partnership programs to position AmCham Abu Dhabi as the premier platform for U.S.–UAE trade, investment, and thought leadership. This senior leadership position requires a visionary, results-driven professional who can bridge business development, stakeholder engagement, and program innovation. The Director works closely with the Executive Director, Operations Director, Membership & Events Manager, and Board Committees to deliver measurable impact, foster strategic alliances, and expand AmCham’s service portfolio. This position is open only to U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents, in accordance with AmCham Abu Dhabi’s governance and representation requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Revenue Diversification

• Present for board approval and implement a comprehensive business development and revenue diversification strategy aligned with AmCham Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision and diversification strategy.
• Identify and launch, after board approval, new services and products for members, including advisory offerings, trade delegation services, RFP facilitation, executive training, and sponsorship-driven programs.
• Oversee the monetization of AmCham assets—branding, events, and market insights—to generate sustainable income.
• Work closely with the Board and Committees to evaluate commercial opportunities aligned with AmCham’s mission and UAE’s strategic sectors.
• Establish KPIs and financial models for new business initiatives and report outcomes to the Executive Director and Board.

Partnerships, Sponsorships, and Strategic Alliances

• Lead the management of strategic partnerships with corporate members, government entities, U.S. agencies, and other chambers of commerce in collaboration and guidance from the ED and Chair of AmCham Abu Dhabi.
• Develop customized sponsorship packages and partnership frameworks that align with member interests and event opportunities.
• Manage key account relationships with members, ensuring retention and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with the Operations Director and Marketing & Communications team to deliver high-quality visibility and brand positioning for partners.

Membership Development and Value Proposition

• Supervise membership recruitment and retention through proactive engagement strategies.
•  Identify new corporate prospects across priority sectors (energy, defense, healthcare, technology, education, financial services, manufacturing).
• Design and implement tiered membership programs offering differentiated benefits and ROI.
• Enhance member value through exclusive access to delegations, policy roundtables, thought leadership forums, and business matching services.
• Oversee the Membership & Events Manager in achieving growth and engagement targets.

Program and Service Innovation

• Develop and launch new member-centric services that extend beyond traditional networking—such as consultancy matchmaking, digital member directories, and industry intelligence platforms.
• Collaborate with the Operations and Programs teams to integrate new revenue-generating initiatives (e.g., paid workshops, sponsorships, training programs).
• Lead business scoping and operational feasibility studies for service expansion opportunities.
• Establish metrics for success and ensure service delivery meets the standards of excellence expected by members and partners.

Marketing, Communication, and Brand Partnerships

• Support the Operations Director and Communications and Marketing teams in developing collateral, campaigns, and success stories that showcase AmCham’s value proposition.
• Contribute to brand positioning by maintaining consistency in messaging, tone, and partnership representation.

Governance, Reporting, and Compliance

• Maintain accurate CRM records and ensure all business development activities are documented, tracked, and reported.
• Provide monthly progress reports and quarterly performance summaries to the Executive Director and the Board.
• Collaborate with the Finance Manager to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, sponsorship payments, and financial tracking.
• Contribute to AmCham’s strategic governance processes, including business case evaluations, risk assessments, and operational reviews.

Qualifications:

• U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident (mandatory).
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, International Relations, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 8–10 years of relevant experience, preferably in the UAE or GCC.
• Proven track record in revenue generation, sponsorship sales, and partnership management.
• Deep understanding of the US–UAE bilateral business landscape and emerging sector priorities.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing P&L or revenue portfolios.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms (GlueUp preferred), Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
• Excellent English writing and communication skills; Arabic is an advantage.
• Willingness to work evenings or weekends to attend events or meetings as required.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Vision: Translates long-term goals into actionable business plans.
• Entrepreneurial Drive: Seeks innovative revenue solutions and scalable business opportunities.
• Relationship Leadership: Builds and sustains strong, trust-based partnerships across sectors.
• Financial Acumen: Demonstrates sound judgment in budgeting, forecasting, and ROI tracking.
• Influence & Negotiation: Persuasive communicator capable of engaging C-suite leaders and government partners.
• Operational Excellence: Ensures smooth execution of business development processes and partner servicing.

Performance Metrics

• Membership growth and retention rates.
• Revenue diversification and new service income targets.
• Sponsorship and partnership value generated annually.
• Member satisfaction and engagement scores.
• Strategic alliances and cross-sector collaborations established.