Advisor to Chief Executive Officer

Khalifa University; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Abu Dhabi seeks a qualified candidate with extensive experience in innovation program design and commercialization. The role involves shaping accelerator initiatives, advising on program themes, and conducting market research. Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree and significant experience in navigating innovation ecosystems. Competitive compensation is offered.

Qualifications

• 14 years’ experience in innovation program design/management.
• Experience in structuring commercial engagements.
• Deep understanding of innovation ecosystems.

Responsibilities

• Shape accelerators/incubators based on institutional strategy.
• Guide participant selection and cohort logistics.
• Analyze outcomes data and recommend improvements.
• Provide input to market-driven commercialization strategies.
• Contribute to market research and sector analysis.
• Advise on structuring and negotiation of commercial transactions.
• Support assessment of active engagements for optimization.
• Cultivate relationships with industry and government stakeholders.

Skills

Innovation program design

Commercialization strategies

Market research

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Innovation, Engineering, Business, Finance

Master’s/MBA

Job description

Job Purpose

Provide subject-matter expertise that bridges innovation program design/delivery and commercialization/business development for KUEC. The role shapes accelerator/incubator and venture-building initiatives, translates KU research and capabilities into market-facing offerings, and supports revenue generation through opportunity prioritization, deal structuring, and portfolio optimization—ensuring alignment with institutional strategy and sector priorities.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end knowledge of program design and structuring
• Advise on program themes, delivery models, and curriculum aligned with KUEC’s commercialization and ecosystem strategies; integrate global best practices and co-create content with academic, industry, and entrepreneurial stakeholders; shape frameworks for different venture stages (early-stage, scale-up, corporate innovation).
• Delivery Enablement & Operational Advisory
• Advice on participant selection, milestones, mentorship models, and resource plans; guide cohort logistics and digital delivery platforms; onboard mentors, advisors, and guest experts.
• Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
• Establish KPIs, impact metrics, and feedback loops; analyze enrollment, engagement, and outcomes data; recommend enhancements based on evidence and evolving market needs.
• Strategic Commercialization
• Provide input to market-driven commercialization strategies aligned with KU’s priorities and sector roadmaps; prioritize opportunities by sector attractiveness, technology readiness, and strategic fit; refine go-to-market frameworks and business models.
• Market & Competitive Intelligence
• Contribute to market research, sector analysis, and competitor benchmarking to identify whitespace; translate technical/R&D capabilities into compelling value propositions and business cases.
• Deal Structuring & Commercial Advisory
• Advice on structuring and negotiation of commercial transactions (e.g., IP licensing, consulting, services) within risk appetite and objectives; inform pricing models, terms of engagement, and risk mitigation approaches.
• Performance Monitoring & Portfolio Optimization
• Support assessment of active engagements; identify upsell/expansion opportunities and optimization levers; provide subject-matter input across the commercialization portfolio to advance revenue and value creation goals.
• Stakeholder Coordination & Ecosystem Positioning
• Collaborate with internal teams (Partnerships, Business Development, Marketing) to ensure coherence and visibility; cultivate strategic relationships with industry and government stakeholders; enable partner-facing communications.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Innovation, Engineering, Business, Finance, or related field; Master’s/MBA preferred.
• 14 years’ experience spanning innovation program design/management and commercialization/business development, ideally within higher education, tech transfer, or government innovation settings; demonstrated experience in structuring commercial engagements and navigating innovation ecosystems.