Role Purpose:

The Director of SME Growth & Execution is responsible for translating Dubai SME’s strategic mandate into impactful, on-the-ground execution. This role oversees key verticals including startup incubation, ecosystem partnerships, capital mobilization, and internal performance. As a strategic operator and ecosystem enabler, the Director ensures alignment with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, delivers measurable outcomes for entrepreneurs and SMEs, and fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities:Strategy Execution & Governance

• Translate Dubai SME’s 3–5 year strategy into annual plans, OKRs, and milestone frameworks.
• Lead governance of all flagship initiatives aligned with D33 and 2028 KPIs.

Program & Portfolio Oversight

• Design and launch founder-facing programs (incubators, accelerators, grants, venture builders).
• Track performance metrics across supported SMEs (e.g., exports, funding raised, job creation).
• Oversee delivery and reporting of all strategic and service-enhancement initiatives.
• Ensure excellence in founder support tools, mentorship frameworks, and advisory systems.

Ecosystem Development & Partnerships

• Build strategic partnerships with VCs, corporates, free zones, and universities.
• Secure co-investments, in-kind contributions, and collaborative program delivery.
• Represent Dubai SME on national economic platforms, policy councils, and investment boards.
• Shape policy input and regulatory reforms to support SME and founder success.
• Lead high-impact ecosystem events, investment forums, and cross-sector initiatives.

Operational & Performance Leadership

• Ensure financial stewardship, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Standardize internal delivery systems, performance dashboards, and reporting tools.

People & Culture

• Lead senior teams across Programs, Ecosystem Development, Growth Platforms, and Marketing.
• Foster an agile, founder-first delivery culture rooted in ownership and speed.
• Promote collaboration, talent development, and institutional knowledge transfer.

Qualifications & Requirements:Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Innovation, Finance, or Entrepreneurship (required).
• Master’s degree in a related field (preferred).
• Professional certifications preferred (e.g., PMP, CFA, VC/PE, Digital Transformation).

Experience

• 10–15 years in venture capital, accelerators, venture studios, or government SME programs.
• Experience in GCC or emerging markets preferred.
• Proven track record managing P&L, funds, or incubation platforms (AED 10–15M+ scope).
• Advised or closed at least 5 early-stage investment rounds.

Technical Skills

• Strategic planning, KPI tracking, ecosystem development, and financial modeling.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and analytics tools.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic vision, agility, execution ownership, and founder empathy.
• Experience with public policy, governance, and multi-stakeholder environments is a plus.