A leading institution within the arts, culture, and creative industries is launching a bold new strategic initiative: the creation of a groundbreaking platform designed to elevate, connect, and empower the region’s cultural and design ecosystem. This venture will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of creativity, innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration across the Middle East.We have been exclusively retained to appoint a Founding Director of Arts, Cultural & Design Ventures, an exceptional senior leader who will architect, build, and launch this new business vertical from the ground up.This is a rare, high-influence, high-visibility role that combines the autonomy of a founder with the backing and reach of a major cultural institution. The ideal candidate will be a visionary, a connector, and a builder, someone capable of shaping a platform that will become a defining force in the regional cultural and design landscape.Role Summary The Founding Director will create, lead, and scale a new platform that serves architects, interior designers, creative studios, cultural leaders, innovators, institutions, developers, and key stakeholders within the design and culture ecosystem.This is an opportunity to develop a flagship venture that drives engagement, fosters collaboration, amplifies cultural value, and strengthens the region’s creative economy. You will own every aspect of this vertical:strategy, structure, brand, operations, revenue model, partnerships, programming, industry engagement, and long-term growth.This is an exceptional leadership mandate suited to someone who wants to shape the future of cultural and design development at a regional level. Key Responsibilities1. Strategic Vision & Sector Leadership Build the full strategy for a new cultural & design ecosystem platform with regional influence. Develop a multi-year strategic roadmap, including value proposition, operating framework, long-term growth strategy, and measurable outcomes. Identify regional gaps and opportunities within the cultural and design sectors, creating solutions that elevate the ecosystem as a whole. Position the platform as a regional authority and thought leader in design, culture, and creative innovation.2. Industry Partnerships & Ecosystem Building Forge deep, strategic relationships with architecture firms, design studios, cultural institutions, development companies, universities, creative hubs, and government bodies. Lead high-level partnerships that unlock revenue, visibility, and industry integration. Build an influential network of cultural and design leaders, thought partners, and industry collaborators. Act as the ambassador and public face of this new venture, representing it across the GCC and internationally.3. Commercial Development & Revenue Leadership Develop a sustainable commercial model incorporating memberships, strategic partnerships, programs, events, consultancy, and tailored services. Create revenue strategies with clear financial targets and growth pathways. Manage the business P&L, ensuring the venture grows with commercial and cultural value in balance. Lead negotiations with partners, sponsors, and major industry players.4. Platform Launch & Operational Leadership Build the infrastructure, processes, and workflows needed to launch and manage a new business vertical. Collaborate across internal departments (marketing, communications, events, content, partnerships) to create an integrated operational model. Oversee branding, identity development, and communication strategy for the new platform’s launch. Lead the evaluation of technology platforms, digital tools, CRM systems, and community management solutions.5. Programming, Content & Community Development Design a year-round program of high-impact initiatives, including:curated eventsleadership roundtablescultural dialoguesdesign industry workshopsexhibitions and showcasesthought leadership contentpolicy discussionsinnovation labsmentorship and accelerator programs Develop a content strategy that positions the platform as a thought leader in cultural and design development. Build a thriving, engaged, influential community that spans disciplines and industries.6. Leadership, Culture & Team Building Build and lead a high-performing team as the platform scales. Set the cultural tone for a pioneering, mission-driven venture. Establish operational excellence, governance models, and performance metrics. Lead cross-functional engagement with internal stakeholders and external partners.Candidate Profile We are seeking a high-calibre senior leader with deep knowledge of the design, architecture, cultural, or creative industries and the ability to build a new institution-level vertical with impact and authority.Experience & Capabilities8+ years of experience across design, architecture, cultural institutions, design fairs, innovation platforms, creative industries, or ecosystem development. Strong network within the GCC’s cultural and design landscape. Proven track record in launching initiatives, building platforms, driving partnerships, or leading sector-level programs. Demonstrated ability to design and execute multi-year strategic plans. Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing revenue models, partnerships, or P&L. Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities at the senior level. Highly entrepreneurial, resourceful, and comfortable with autonomy and ambiguity.Preferred Arabic language Experience working on high-level cultural or design sector initiatives Experience scaling communities, platforms, or industry ecosystems