Role Overview

As the Director of Innovate for Bahrain (i4BH), you will lead the strategic vision, operational execution, and partnership ecosystem to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional growth. You will work closely with government stakeholders, corporate partners, investors, and startup communities to expand the impact of our initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Program Development

Develop and execute the long-term vision and strategic roadmap for i4BH.
Oversee the development and implementation of innovation/acceleration programs, mentorship initiatives, and networking opportunities for startups and professionals.
Identify market gaps and introduce new initiatives to support local entrepreneurship and career growth.

2. Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain strong relationships with government entities, corporate partners, investors, and academic institutions to support innovation initiatives.
Secure funding, sponsorships, and grants from local and international organizations to sustain and expand programs.
Represent Innovate for Bahrain at industry events, conferences, and policy discussions to advocate for innovation and entrepreneurship.

3. Operations & Financial Oversight

Oversee the day-to-day management of i4BH, including both program delivery and the effective operation of the physical space.
Develop and manage the annual budget, optimizing resources to maximize impact.
Monitor KPIs and impact metrics to measure program success and ensure continuous improvement.

4. Community Engagement & Thought Leadership

Lead marketing and outreach efforts to promote i4BH’s initiatives and attract participants.
Act as a thought leader on innovation, entrepreneurship, and gender inclusion, contributing to public discussions and publications.
Develop a strong digital presence through content creation, social media engagement, podcast development, and public speaking.

Qualifications & Experience

10+ years of experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, economic development, or a related field.
Strong network and experience working with government, corporations, startups, and investors.
Proven ability to develop and implement large-scale programs with measurable impact.
Experience in fundraising, securing grants, and managing partnerships.
Demonstrated experience in organizing and running events.
Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
Well-spoken and highly proficient in both English and Arabic.
Passionate about empowering women, supporting youth, and fostering career growth.

Why Join Us?

Lead a high-impact initiative that is shaping Bahrain’s innovation landscape.
Work with top-tier stakeholders and partners to drive meaningful change.
Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to supporting local talent and startups.

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