Director of Academic Events & Strategy

MBZUAI (Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence); Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

MBZUAI in Abu Dhabi seeks a Head of Academic Events to lead the strategy, planning and execution of the university's academic events portfolio within the Office of Student and Postdoctoral Affairs (OSPA).

You will own the annual events calendar, drive standards, manage risk, and ensure events like Commencement are delivered on time and within budget, partnering with academic departments and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of progressive experience in event leadership with budget, people, delivery and outcomes.
• Experience managing a portfolio of large‑scale, high‑profile events in university or research environments.
• Proven experience delivering events with heads of state, ministers or VIPs.
• Experience leading procurement, contracting and supplier performance management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and management of OSPA's annual academic events calendar.
• Own delivery of Commencement, IOAI and the broader academic events program, ensuring quality, schedule, cost and outcomes.
• Set direction and delegate planning to Associate Head while supporting delivery across teams.
• Maintain the portfolio risk register and escalate material risks through governance channels.
• Represent MBZUAI with government entities, sponsors, visiting delegations and international partners.

Skills

Event leadership

Budget management

Vendor management

Stakeholder management

People management

English communication

Arabic proficiency

Education

PMI PMP certification

Job description

MBZUAI in Abu Dhabi seeks a Head of Academic Events to lead the strategy, planning and execution of the university's academic events portfolio within the Office of Student and Postdoctoral Affairs (OSPA).

You will own the annual events calendar, drive standards, manage risk, and ensure events like Commencement are delivered on time and within budget, partnering with academic departments and external stakeholders.