Partnerships Manager

About This Role

The Opportunity

The Strategy and Future Department is seeking a Partnerships Manager who will be responsible for managing and advancing the University’s strategic partnerships portfolio and associated innovation initiatives, including execution of partnership strategy, institutional agreements, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks. The role supports institutional positioning, drives collaboration with key external partners, and contributes to the design and delivery of high-impact partnership-led programs aligned with Zayed University’s strategic priorities and national higher education objectives.

The Responsibilities

Strategic & Financial

• Formulate and support the execution of the Section’s plans to ensure seamless operations and contribution to the organization’s performance objectives.
• Contribute to the development and execution of partnership strategies and multi-year operational plans aligned with institutional and national priorities.
• Ensure timely provision of data, dashboards, and reports to the direct supervisor and recommend operational improvements to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Consolidate budget inputs for the Section and support budget management in line with approved plans, highlighting deviations and recommending corrective action.
• Support the development of sustainability and funding approaches for partnership-led initiatives in coordination with relevant internal stakeholders.
• Identify and report potential operational, financial, legal, and reputational risks and recommend mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of operations and achievement of objectives.
• Contribute to the design and refinement of pilot initiatives, ensuring lessons learned are captured and used to improve future program design and delivery.

Operational

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with industry, government, private sector, educational institutions, international organizations, and NGOs to expand collaboration opportunities.
• Support the development and implementation of the university’s centralized partnership policy, protocols, and governance frameworks, ensuring awareness and compliance across functions.
• Manage the engagement of strategic partnership accounts centrally in coordination with relevant internal stakeholders.
• Manage the university’s participation in stakeholder meetings, forums, and external networks to enhance visibility, credibility, and institutional positioning.
• Manage the development, negotiation, and execution of partnership agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in coordination with the General Counsel division.
• Monitor compliance with contractual obligations and partnership terms to ensure timely deliverables and institutional accountability.
• Monitor legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with partnerships in coordination with relevant functions across the university.
• Coordinate the implementation of partnership initiatives and pilot programs, ensuring alignment with agreed objectives, timelines, and performance indicators.
• Support monitoring and evaluation activities, including data collection, reporting, and tracking of partnership performance and outcomes.
• Manage the development of partnership briefs, proposals, and presentations in line with the University’s strategic objectives.
• Monitor partner satisfaction levels and feedback mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement and long-term engagement.
• Manage documentation and archiving all partnership-related materials and agreements to support audit and governance requirements.
• Coordinate with colleges and administrative units to establish and manage partnerships aligned with academic and operational needs.
• Support preparation of structured updates and briefing materials for senior leadership and governance forums, ensuring clarity on performance, risks, and forward priorities.

People Management

• Finalise and consolidate workforce planning reports, talent acquisition strategies, and budgets at the Section level to ensure adequate staffing for optimal operational efficiency and submit to the direct supervisor for approval.
• Set performance management objectives for all reportees and perform mid-year and year-end performance reviews, monitor performance and provide ad-hoc guidance as needed to ensure objectives are met.
• Identify talent for pivotal roles from a succession management standpoint to ensure business continuity, and liaise with HR to facilitate enrollment in relevant programs.
• Provide guidance to reportees on people management matters, offer mentoring and coaching as needed to ensure they are professionally and behaviorally equipped to meet operational requirements.

The Requirements

• Master's degree with a minimum of 8 years of experience and at least 5 years in a managerial position; or Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 10 years of experience and at least 5 years in a managerial position.
• Certification in a relevant field is preferred.

The Benefits

The University’s benefits package is highly attractive, with competitive salaries free of tax in the U.A.E., cash housing, annual vacation airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational subsidies for children and healthcare is provided to the employee and sponsored family members.

While we appreciate all applications, you will be contacted only if you are selected for an interview.

For any inquires or issues please contact Recruitment@zu.ac.ae