Director , Global Strategic Advisor

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 is a team of excellence founded on innovation and growth. The Global Strategic Advisor practice is part of the Global Solutions Business Group - which is one of five strategic business groups at Ankura We support clients navigating international growth and ensuring they can operate effectively - whether independently or in partnership - across diverse jurisdictions. Our work focuses on helping organisations engage with governments, NGOs, multilateral institutions, activists, and regulatory bodies to address operating and alignment challenges driven by geopolitical dynamics, nationalism, and global competition. We also guide clients through public disclosures and transactions in both private and capital markets, while supporting them in managing their reputation during critical moments of change, challenge, or opportunity.

Why Join Ankura

Opportunities to work on some of the largest and most high‑profile projects, providing advice at the highest level.

To work in a dynamic and fast paced environment, alongside senior leaders of our business.

The opportunity to learn quickly and influence the growth and development of our team.

Fantastic personal and professional development opportunities and the ability to learn from experts in their fields.

Exposure to senior clients and an opportunity to build your own client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and support the implementation of 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

Requirements

• A graduate‑level qualification in Business Administration, Innovation, Start‑Ups and Venture Capital or a related field.
• International or internationally‑oriented work experience in a professional services firm, start‑up or accelerator.
• Ability to manage complex projects and multiple stakeholders as part of a wider transformation projects.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the Middle East policy and commercial sectors, coupled with strong analytical and English writing skills.
• Proven experience in local, regional and international Innovation and start‑up ecosystems and their development.
• Ability to conduct comprehensive research and produce government‑oriented deliverables, focusing on economic development related topics.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders across government, business, and academia in both Middle East and internationally.
• Ability to work effectively within a dynamic, fast‑paced team environment.
• Powerful interpersonal skills and high level of emotional intelligence to partner with executive management teams and passion for enabling leaders to drive change within organisations.
• Mentor and guide Associates and Senior Associates, reviewing their work and supporting skill development
• This role requires fluency in both English and Arabic, as it involves regular communication with Arabic‑speaking clients and partners.
• This language requirement is essential to meet business needs and ensure effective service delivery.
• Must be able to travel at short notice including nationally and internationally.

Ankura is an affirmative action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Posters, if you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, submit an online application, or participate in an interview/assessment, please email [e-mail] or call toll‑free +1.312-583-2122. This email and phone number are created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues unrelated to a disability, will not receive a response.

Ankura Consulting Group, LLC is an independent global expert services and advisory firm that delivers services and end‑to‑end solutions to help clients at critical inflection points related to conflict, crisis, performance, risk, strategy, and transformation. The Ankura team consists of more than 2000 professionals serving 3,000+ clients across 55 countries who are leaders in their respective fields and areas of expertise. Collaborative Lateral Thinking That Delivers, hard‑earned experience, expertise, and multidisciplinary capabilities drive results and Ankura is unrivalled in its ability to assist clients to Protect, Create, and Recover Value. For more information, please visit, ankura.com.