Program Specialist, startAD (Fixed Term for 1 Year)

 New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint a Project Specialist, startAD reporting to the Assistant Director of the Innovation Programs.

This role is responsible for the operations and execution of various startAD incubation and acceleration programs for various stages of entrepreneurs, including students, local startups, and global startup/scale-ups. This role is further responsible for successfully scouting and interviewing participants and startups for the various programs using a systematic process and criteria for selection. The candidate is responsible for communicating the mission and increasing awareness of startAD's startup program with internal and external stakeholders, including corporate partners and sponsors. The candidate is expected to lead the program delivery from start to finish, including sourcing startups, coordinating with startup coaches, trainers, and mentors, and ensuring the smooth and efficient operations of the program, including procurement, finance, and event support.

The candidate will further be responsible for working closely with the Assistant Director of Innovation Programs to identify opportunities for new programs and services aligned with the overall mission, vision, and strategy of startAD. The role requires previous experience in program/startup accelerator/incubator management, a track record of implementing programs in the UAE or the MENA region, and experience dealing with multiple stakeholders, including corporate or government partners, startups, trainers, sponsors, and internal teams. Additionally, experience running programs tailored for women, students, and social enterprises is crucial.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage internal day-to-day operations of incubation and acceleration programs, including administrative, financial, and logistics needs of participants, internal team coordination, as well as outwards facing stakeholder communication and management.
• Actively recruit partners, mentors and coaches for startAD participants and startup teams and develop relationships with mentors, coaches and trainers and other organizations to provide quality services programs
• Work closely with team members to facilitate their upskilling and ensure the growth and delivery of high-quality programs, managing internal team dynamics and performance
• Support in preparation of various reports related to the KPIs and metrics of startAD programs, ensuring a data driven approach and effective communication with stakeholders
• Contribute to the development of proposals corporate sponsorships and programs
• Coordinate with programs, marketing and operations teams to ensure program milestones are achieved and align program activities with the overall mission and vision of program and organization

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Management, Finance, Business or Computer Science

• 3 or more years of experience in Innovation and entrepreneurship program design and execution in the UAE
• Local understanding of entrepreneurial ecosystems
• Experience in an academic setting teaching courses or mentoring student groups
• Experience dealing with multiple stakeholders, including corporate or government partners, startups, trainers, sponsors, and internal teams
• Experience running programs tailored for women, students, and social enterprises
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) and demonstrated ability to manage professional relationships across a variety of stakeholder groups
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks while sticking to deadlines
• Ability to think creatively

Preferred Experience:

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex challenges
• Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks efficiently
• Proactive and innovative approach to program management
• Ability to think creatively and develop unique solutions to program-related issues.
• An Agile mindset with experience in Agile methodologies and practices
• Demonstrated experience working within project/event management teams
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide diverse teams
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to manage relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Strategic thinking with the ability to align programs with the overall mission and vision of the organization

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion.