Morgan Healey Exclusive
Location: Dubai
Salary: Excellent, on application
PLEASE: Only apply if you have experience working for an STM / academic publisher in the UAE.
Our client, a global research publisher, requires a new Director of Academic Partnerships (Middle East) to lead regional content growth and strategic partnerships across academic publishing and researcher services.
This is a senior, commercially focused role responsible for expanding our presence in the Middle East by building influential partnerships and driving the acquisition of high-quality academic content.
You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the research ecosystem—including funders, institutions, and key opinion leaders—to position our organisation as a trusted and high-impact partner in the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive content growth across books, journals, and researcher services in the Middle East
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior academics, funders, institutions, and government bodies
- Identify and engage key opinion leaders (KOLs) to enhance influence and content acquisition
- Deliver against commercial and strategic objectives, including revenue and performance targets
- Provide market intelligence and insights on regional trends, competition, and opportunities
- Contribute to product and service development ideas based on market needs
- Represent the organisation at industry events and conferences to strengthen brand presence
Skills & Experience:
- You are a commercially minded leader with deep experience in academic publishing or the research ecosystem, and a strong network across the Middle East.
- Proven success in developing strategic partnerships and driving revenue growth
- Strong understanding of the regional research and publishing landscape
- Experience in content acquisition and delivery within a publishing environment
- Established networks across academia, funding bodies, and institutions
- Ability to analyse market conditions and adapt strategy accordingly
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills at senior levels
- A results-driven mindset, with the ability to execute from strategy through to delivery
- Strong financial and commercial acumen
- Confidence as a presenter and ambassador, in both English and Arabic
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