The Manager, Events and Partnerships is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing city operations, events, and stakeholder partnerships. The role focuses on building strong relationships with key public and private sector stakeholders to secure sponsorships, funding, and in-kind contributions for familiarization trips, VIP visits, and major citywide events.

This position ensures all activities align with DET’s strategic objectives, quality standards, and regulatory requirements—enhancing Dubai’s global reputation as a premier destination for tourism and events.

Core Responsibilities & Subject Matter Expertise

• Secure stakeholder financial and in-kind support for familiarization trips, VIP visits, and citywide events.
• Manage sponsorships and ensure seamless coordination of logistics including transportation, accommodation, and venue management.
• Develop partnerships with event organizers, government entities, and businesses through sponsorships, endorsements, and joint initiatives.
• Collaborate with tourism and hospitality providers to integrate their offerings into DET itineraries and events.
• Align stakeholder contributions with DET’s strategic goals to reinforce Dubai’s positioning globally.
• Maintain communication with government agencies, sponsors, and industry stakeholders to ensure policy alignment and regulatory compliance.
• Develop communication materials—presentations, memos, and marketing collateral—for stakeholder engagement and event promotion.
• Negotiate agreements with stakeholders that align with DET’s operational priorities and provide mutual value.
• Monitor stakeholder contributions, ensuring they deliver measurable value and meet agreed objectives.
• Prepare performance reports to assess the impact of stakeholder engagements, financial inputs, and participation.
• Represent DET at industry meetings and networking events to promote Dubai’s event and tourism offerings.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and DET’s operational policies.
• Support budget planning and resource allocation to maximize the value of sponsorships and partnerships.
• Maintain clear, structured communication with stakeholders to define expectations and deliverables.
• Oversee the development and execution of city operations and itineraries aligned with DET’s mission and quality standards.
• Design strategies to secure ongoing sponsorship and strengthen stakeholder relations.
• Foster long-term relationships with key stakeholders to ensure consistent participation in DET initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Tourism & Hospitality, Event Management, or a related field.

Master’s degree or MBA preferred.

• Relevant certifications (preferred):
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Sponsorship & Partnership Management (CSPM)
• Certified Event Management Professional (CEMP)
• Certified Hospitality & Tourism Management Professional (CHTMP)
• Minimum 8 years of experience in:
• Event management and coordination
• Stakeholder and partnership management
• Sponsorship acquisition and negotiation
• City operations and hospitality, preferably within a government or tourism entity
• Proven track record in:
• Securing sponsorships and managing partnerships
• Organizing large-scale events and high-profile visits
• Contract negotiation and stakeholder communication
• Experience developing strategic communication materials and delivering presentations to senior stakeholders.

Key Skills & Capabilities

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills across public and private sectors.
• Strategic thinking and planning with the ability to execute complex initiatives.
• Excellent negotiation skills with a history of securing impactful sponsorships.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication; adept in creating persuasive proposals and reports.
• Performance tracking and evaluation expertise with data-driven reporting.
• In-depth knowledge of event logistics, operational planning, and risk management.
• Ability to engage senior executives and government officials with professionalism and influence.
• Expertise in managing partnerships in tourism, hospitality, and event sectors.
• Strong experience in citywide itinerary planning and execution.
• Financial acumen in budgeting, forecasting, and stakeholder resource management.
• Problem-solving and analytical mindset, capable of navigating complex stakeholder environments.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks, government relations, and industry best practices.
• Proficiency in stakeholder analytics and performance tracking tools.
• Market insight and data interpretation to identify trends and improvement areas.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with CRM and project management tools.
• Collaborative and strategic thinker with the ability to align execution with broader organizational goals.