The Role
The KAUST International Hubs aim to accelerate research commercialization via connection with international ecosystems, promote research and education in support of innovation, and bridge demand and supply between Saudi and the international ecosystems.
The Program Specialist is responsible for the design, ownership, and delivery of strategic programs and initiatives that advance the mission of the KAUST International Hubs. The role is accountable for translating the hub's strategy into high-impact programs, managing a portfolio of complex initiatives, and ensuring measurable outcomes in collaboration, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
Responsibilities
- Own, manage and develop programs and initiatives from concept development through execution, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
- Lead the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of high-impact programs and flagship events that showcase innovation and attract key stakeholders and partners.
- Oversee program operations and logistics, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for participants, internal and external stakeholders.
- Act as a primary point of contact for assigned programs, representing KAUST to international partners, industry stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and government-related entities.
- Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with partners and collaborators in Saudi Arabia and international hub locations.
- Facilitate effective collaboration and communication between KAUST and international hub communities, fostering inclusive and productive engagement.
- Provide professional guidance to entrepreneurs, startups, and program participants engaged in innovation activities at the hubs.
- Identify opportunities to introduce new program formats, partnerships, and technologies that enhance engagement and impact.
- Monitor trends and best practices within global innovation ecosystems to inform program evolution.
- Own program performance measurement frameworks, including data collection, analysis, and reporting on outcomes and impact.
- Translate insights into actionable recommendations to enhance program effectiveness, participant experience, and ecosystem value.
- Prepare high-quality reports and presentations for internal leadership and external stakeholders, highlighting achievements, impact, and future directions.
- Ensure all programs and activities comply with relevant policies, regulations, and ethical standards.
- Lead cross-functional coordination with engagement, research, innovation, marketing, and operations teams to ensure alignment and collective success.
- Share insights, lessons learned, and best practices to strengthen the overall performance of the International Hubs.
- Identify and adopt new technologies that can improve the overall program experience.
- Perform and execute programs according to agreed budgets and timelines.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; graduate level degree is a plus.
Required Skills
- Strong capability in program leadership and portfolio management within innovation or research-driven environments.
- Ability to influence and engage diverse senior stakeholders across academia, industry, entrepreneurship, and government-related sectors.
- Familiarity with the innovation ecosystem in Saudi or global innovation hubs.
- Excellent project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment in balancing innovation, risk, and delivery.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the organization professionally in international and multicultural contexts.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, cross-cultural environment.
- Proficiency in English is required.
Preferred Skills
- 6 years plus of experience in program coordination, project management, or a related field.
- Proven track record of successfully managing and implementing programs, preferably in the context of innovation, research, or technology transfer.
