We are seeking an experienced and strategic Marketing Director to lead the marketing function of a high-growth innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE.
This role requires a commercially driven marketing leader with experience building brands, growing communities, attracting founders, investors, startups, corporate partners, and driving ecosystem engagement through integrated marketing strategies.
The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution and has experience operating in startup, innovation, venture capital, accelerator, incubator, technology, or entrepreneurial environments.
Key Responsibilities
Marketing Strategy & Brand Growth
- Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Strengthen brand positioning and awareness across regional and international markets.
- Lead go-to-market strategies for new initiatives, programs, partnerships, and events.
- Establish marketing KPIs and regularly report on performance and ROI.
Ecosystem & Community Growth
- Drive acquisition and engagement of startups, entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and corporate partners.
- Build initiatives that increase community participation and ecosystem visibility.
- Develop campaigns that support founder recruitment, startup applications, and stakeholder engagement.
Content & Thought Leadership
- Oversee content strategy across digital platforms, social media, website, email marketing, and PR.
- Position the organization and its leadership as thought leaders within innovation and entrepreneurship sectors.
- Manage storytelling around startup success stories, innovation programs, partnerships, and ecosystem impact.
Digital Marketing & Performance
- Lead digital acquisition campaigns across paid, owned, and earned channels.
- Optimize marketing funnels, lead generation, conversion rates, and customer journeys.
- Utilize analytics and data-driven insights to improve campaign effectiveness.
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic partnerships and market positioning.
- Support relationship-building initiatives with government entities, investors, universities, corporates, and ecosystem stakeholders.
- Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and networking engagements when required.
Team Leadership
- Build, mentor, and manage internal and external marketing resources.
- Foster a high-performance marketing culture focused on creativity, execution, and measurable impact.
- Manage marketing budgets and agency relationships.
Required Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field.
- 8+ years of progressive marketing experience.
- Minimum 3 years in a senior marketing leadership role.
- Proven experience within one or more of the following environments:
- Startup ecosystems
- Accelerators
- Incubators
- Venture Capital firms
- Innovation hubs
- Entrepreneurship programs
- Technology companies
- Scale-ups
- Demonstrated success building brands and communities from the ground up.
- Experience attracting founders, startups, investors, or entrepreneurial communities.
- Strong understanding of ecosystem marketing, partnership marketing, and stakeholder engagement.
- Proven experience leading integrated digital marketing campaigns.
- Strong analytical and commercial mindset.
Preferred Background
Experience with organizations such as:
- Startup accelerators and incubators
- Venture studios
- Innovation districts
- Entrepreneurship platforms
- Technology parks
- Startup support organizations
- VC-backed technology companies
- Government innovation initiatives
Key Competencies
- Strategic Leadership
- Brand Development
- Growth Marketing
- Community Building
- Partnership Development
- Content Strategy
- Stakeholder Management
- Commercial Acumen
- Team Leadership
- Innovation Mindset
Location
UAE
Employment Type
Full-Time
