Director, Global Growth & Ecosystem Strategy

Ankura; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 420,000 - 680,000; Full time

Job summary

Ankura seeks a Director for its Global Strategic Advisor practice in Riyadh to drive ecosystem initiatives, venture development, and cross-border advisory services. This role requires fluency in English and Arabic, proven multi-stakeholder leadership, and willingness to travel internationally.

You will mentor associates, manage complex projects, and shape program structures while engaging senior clients and Ankura’s multidisciplinary teams across markets.

Qualifications

• Graduate-level qualification in Business Administration, Innovation, Start-Ups and Venture Capital or related field.
• Experience in Middle East policy and commercial sectors with strong analytical and English writing skills.
• Proven experience in local, regional and international innovation/start-up ecosystems.
• Ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to conduct government-oriented research and deliverables.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders across government, business and academia in ME and internationally.
• Fluency in English and Arabic.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Design and support startup and scale-up ecosystem initiatives.
• Drive venture creation, growth and scaling, through targeted financial and non-financial support mechanisms.
• Define segment-specific growth pathways and translate these into programme structures, partnership models and funding approaches.
• Assess ecosystem effectiveness and outcomes through impact and cost–benefit analysis.
• Develop delivery models, performance tracking mechanisms, and ecosystem sustainability strategies.
• The additional responsibilities of a Director involve organising project work streams, achieving engagement objectives and assisting with business development.
• Direct roles for developing meaningful and trust-based relationships with clients and the wider Ankura firm.
• Engage in business development activities through client interactions and participation in industry events.
• Collaborate with colleagues and client teams to develop and deliver high-quality client-facing materials, including reports, presentations, and research notes.
• Support government affairs dialogues on behalf of clients and effectively represent client and Ankura interests with public sector counterparts.
• Contribute to the publication of weekly and monthly market intelligence products distributed to a diverse client base.
• Engage in client-specific research and analysis on policy issues and commercial developments impacting client interests.
• Provide operational support for colleagues with respect to engagement in platforms, preparation for meetings, and planning for events.
• Mentor and guide Associates and Senior Associates, reviewing their work and supporting skill development

Skills

Middle East policy knowledge

Analytical writing

Stakeholder management

Innovation ecosystems experience

Research capabilities

English/Arabic fluency

Travel readiness

Leadership & mentoring

Client engagement

Education

Graduate-level qualification in Business Administration, Innovation, Start-Ups and Venture Capital or related field

Job description

Ankura seeks a Director for its Global Strategic Advisor practice in Riyadh to drive ecosystem initiatives, venture development, and cross-border advisory services. This role requires fluency in English and Arabic, proven multi-stakeholder leadership, and willingness to travel internationally.

You will mentor associates, manage complex projects, and shape program structures while engaging senior clients and Ankura’s multidisciplinary teams across markets.