Strategic and Development Officer

Abu Dhabi School of Management; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in the United Arab Emirates seeks a Strategic and Development Officer to support partnerships with industry and government. The successful candidate will manage relationships, conduct outreach, and ensure deliverables meet partner expectations. Excellent communication, negotiation skills, and a results-oriented mindset are essential. This role provides an opportunity for significant impact through collaborations and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Excellent communication skills, especially written.
• Ability to negotiate and persuade effectively.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritize target organizations for partnerships.
• Conduct outreach to present programs and collaboration opportunities.
• Support preparation of proposals and presentations for partners.
• Help coordinate and monitor progress of partnerships/projects.
• Assist in data collection and analysis for strategic initiatives.

Skills

Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills

Excellent communication skills

Good negotiation and persuasion skills

Strong organizational and follow-up abilities

Comfortable with data tracking and reporting

Proactive, results-oriented mindset

High level of professionalism, discretion, and cultural awareness

Job description

The Strategic and Development Officer supports the Strategic unit in building and managing relationships with industry and government entities, with a clear mandate to generate tangible income, funded projects, and strategic deals for the institution.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritize target organizations (government bodies, public agencies, corporates, embassies, NGOs, sectoral associations).
• Conduct outreach (emails, calls, meetings, events) to present the institution’s programs, services, and collaboration opportunities.
• Support the preparation of concept notes, proposals, and presentations for potential partners.
• Contribute to building a pipeline of opportunities (training contracts, funded projects, sponsorships, joint programs, consultancy, events, etc.).
• Assist in negotiating terms and conditions under the guidance of the Strategic Department and senior management.
• Work toward defined KPIs related to:
  1. value of signed agreements
  2. number of new partners
  3. revenue generated from partnerships
• Maintain regular contact with key focal points in government and industry partners.
• Coordinate institutional participation in meetings, conferences, and events, ensuring proper representation and follow-up.
• Help position the institution as a reliable partner in education, skills development, innovation, and sustainability (as applicable).
• Once agreements are signed, coordinate internally (academic units, marketing, finance, operations, events, etc.) to ensure:
  1. deliverables are clearly understood
  2. timelines are respected
  3. reporting is aligned with partner expectations
• Monitor the progress of each partnership/project, track milestones, and escalate risks or delays to the Strategic Department.
• Prepare follow-up notes, action lists, and status reports after meetings and events.
• Assist in data collection, research, and analysis for strategic initiatives (market mapping, competitor scan, sectoral trends, etc.).
• Contribute to the preparation of strategic plans, annual partnership plans, and management reports.
• Support internal presentations and documentation for the President’s Office, Board committees, and external stakeholders where needed.

Skills

• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills (writing emails, preparing presentations, conducting meetings).
• Good negotiation and persuasion skills with a professional and diplomatic approach.
• Strong organizational and follow-up abilities; able to manage multiple partnerships and tasks simultaneously.
• Comfortable with data tracking and reporting (Excel sheets, CRM or tracking tools).
• Proactive, results-oriented mindset with a focus on converting opportunities into concrete deals and income.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and cultural awareness when dealing with senior officials and external partners.