Job Purpose -
The Associate Director, Events & Partnerships is responsible for concepting, securing and delivering a cohesive programmed of events and strategic partnerships that build Saadiyat Grove's cultural relevance, drive visitation and foster a strong sense of community.
The role spans public-facing destination events, tenant-led activations and residential/community programming, ensuring Saadiyat Grove feels alive, inclusive and culturally credible for visitors, residents and workers alike.
Key Responsibilities -
Events Strategy & Programming
- Define and own the Saadiyat Grove events and programming strategy, aligned to destination positioning and phased development.
- Build an integrated annual calendar covering:
- Destination and public realm events
- Cultural and creative programming
- Retail and F&B-led activations
- Residential and community events (residents, families, office workers)
- Seasonal and national moments
- Ensure programming balances brand-building, community engagement and commercial impact.
Signature Events & Flagship Moments
- Concept and deliver flagship events that anchor Saadiyat Grove's cultural and lifestyle narrative.
- Ensure residential moments are high-quality, well-curated and brand-aligned, not transactional or ad hoc.
- Scale successful formats year-on-year.
Strategic Partnerships
- Identify and manage strategic partnerships across culture, lifestyle, food, wellness, fashion and design.
- Develop long-term partnerships that support destination positioning and resident value, not just sponsorship.
- Oversee partner integration across public events, resident programming and tenant activity.
Residential & Community Programming
- Own the residential and community events programme, working closely with Asset Management, CX and Property Management teams.
- Design programming that builds belonging, loyalty and pride of place among residents.
- Ensure resident communications and invitations are coordinated with Marketing and CX teams.
- Support onboarding of new residents through events and shared experiences.
Tenant & Commercial Collaboration
- Work closely with retail and F&B tenants to co-create events that serve both destination and resident audiences.
- Support leasing and asset teams by using events to enhance livability and desirability.
- Ensure tenant-led and resident-focused events align with overall standards and narrative.
Delivery, Governance & Operations
- Oversee budgets, agencies, suppliers and production partners across all event types.
- Work closely with operations, security and facilities teams to ensure safe, compliant delivery.
- Establish clear playbooks for destination, tenant and residential events.
Measurement & Optimization
- Track KPIs across:
- Footfall and visitation
- Resident participation and satisfaction
- Partner value and retention
- Engagement and sentiment
- Use insight to evolve programming mix and formats.
Experience & Skills -
- 5+ years experience in events, partnerships or experiential programming within destinations, mixed-use, hospitality, luxury or lifestyle environments.
- Comfortable operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
- Strong curatorial and creative judgement.
- Commercial and operationally credible.
- Confident stakeholder manager across marketing, operations and asset teams.
- Community-minded without losing brand ambition.
- Strategic, calm and detail-oriented.
- Values long-term destination equity.
