Job Title
Senior Director of Commercial and Advancement
Section
Operations
Department
Commercial & Advancement
Reporting to
Vice-President of Operations
Project Overview
Join a team dedicated to a landmark national museum project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We are creating a flagship cultural institution that will showcase the cultures of the world. The project is a key contributor to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, advancing the nation's cultural and creative sectors. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a project of national significance and global impact.
Job Purpose
The Senior Director of Commercial and Advancement plays a key role in ensuring the institution's financial resilience through innovative revenue strategies and strategic fundraising. This executive position oversees all commercial operations, including retail, hospitality, venue hire, and licensing as well as advancement initiatives such as sponsorships, philanthropy, membership, and partnerships. Combining commercial insight with cultural sensitivity, the Senior Director leads efforts to increase income, expand the institution's supporter base, and enhance the visitor experience. The role requires an exceptional communicator and relationship-builder with a proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders across government, business, and the broader community to generate resources and build lasting support. As a senior leader, the incumbent will drive forward a bold, future-facing strategy to support the institution's mission, values, and growth.
Roles and Responsibilities
Strategy and Planning
- Develop and implement integrated commercial and advancement strategies to achieve and exceed the organization's annual revenue goals, including retail, F&B, events, letting, and services.
- Align commercial planning with the institution's vision, mission, and operational objectives.
- Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to achieve and exceed the organization's annual revenue goals.
- Develop and execute the pricing strategy of the institution.
Budget Management
- Develop, manage, and monitor the department's budget in collaboration with the Finance Department.
- Oversee financial forecasting to ensure sustainable and efficient operations.
Revenue Generation & Business Development
- Oversee the organization's commercial outlets (shop, caf, VIP services, etc.) including delivery model and service standards.
- Maximize revenue opportunities through licensing, venue hire, events, and product development.
- Develop benefit packages for corporate sponsors and philanthropic partners.
Partnerships & Sponsorships
- Identify and cultivate private, public, and third-sector partnerships that align with the institution's mission.
- Lead the negotiation of partnership and sponsorship agreements, with a focus on impact and shared value.
- Ensure cross-departmental coordination in activating and delivering sponsor benefits.
Visitor Experience & Brand Value
- Oversee the coordination with communications and cultural departments to ensure commercial offerings enhance the visitor experience and support brand integrity.
- Regularly evaluate customer satisfaction and business performance to refine services.
Policies, Processes, and Procedures
- Ensure compliance with financial, legal, and organizational standards in all revenue-generating activities.
- Define fundraising and sponsorship guidelines for exhibitions, programs, and capital campaigns.
- Design and implement institution's VIP, membership and donor engagement programs.
- Live by the institution's values, ethical standards, and governance.
Functional Accountabilities
- Lead the planning and implementation of innovative commercial initiatives, partnerships, and sponsorship opportunities to diversify income channels.
- Oversee the marketing and public relations efforts aimed at promoting the institution's offerings while enhancing its public profile within the community.
- Ensure accurate assessment and analysis of visitor data to inform strategic decisions regarding exhibits, events, and programming that respond effectively to audience interests.
- Collaborate with the institution's leadership to ensure alignment between commercial strategies and the institution's mission and operational plans.
- Lead (in cooperation with the Special Events Department) the Annual Institution's Gala
- Represent the institution at external functions, conferences, and in community dialogues to advocate for its mission and objectives.
- Ensure accurate analysis of market trends and visitor behaviors to inform data-driven decision-making.
Stakeholder Management
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with government entities, donors, sponsors, and corporate partners.
- Represent the institution at external engagements, conferences, and public forums.
- Advocate for the institution's mission and secure support for key programs and initiatives.
People Management
- Lead and support administrative staff.
- Coordinate onboarding processes and support HR-related activities
- Manage and support team members in performing their tasks in line with established policies and procedures.
- Guide, mentor, and develop the Commercial and Advancement teams to ensure continuous growth and achievement of functional objectives.
- Set clear performance goals, provide regular feedback, and support professional development through coaching and formal evaluations.
- Delegate authority appropriately to empower team members and encourage accountability.
- Contribute to workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management while promoting employee engagement and motivation.
- Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative work culture aligned with the institution's values.
- Promote innovation and contribute to a positive, inspiring, and diverse workplace.
- Maintain high personal standards and ensure excellence across the section.
- Direct and manage a team of professionals in the development and execution of commercial promotional strategies that align with overall organizational objectives.
Job Qualifications and Requirements
Knowledge and Experience
- Minimum of 12 years of executive-level experience in commercial revenue generation (ideally also in Saudi Arabia and especially Riyadh) with exposure to arts, culture, or museum management.
- Extensive expertise in fundraising strategies, donor relations, grant writing, and major gifts.
- Demonstrated success in building and managing commercial initiatives and strategic partnerships.
- Experience with CRM systems and fundraising platforms for tracking, reporting, and engagement.
Education and Certifications
- Required: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field. A master's degree is strongly preferred.
- Preferred: International education in fundraising, nonprofit management, or hospitality
Personal capabilities and qualifications
- Entrepreneurial mindset and financial acumen
- Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills
- Audience- and partner-focused
- Strategic and creative thinker with execution focus
- Culturally sensitive and professional
- Ideally fluent in Arabic
- Proficient in market research and data analysis to support audience-centric programming.
- Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills with proven success in community and corporate engagement.
