Deputy Director

Art Jameel is seeking a Deputy Director to join its dynamic team in Dubai, overseeing operations at Jameel Arts Centre, known as Dubai's contemporary hub for arts and ideas. With a focus on operations, enterprises and partnerships, the role would suit an experienced team leader, ready to apply their entrepreneurial and business acumen to a creative, fast-growing, responsive and impactful NGO with a global programme across learning and the arts.This Deputy Director position focusses primarily on operations, enterprises, partnerships and development. The role includes overseeing departments devoted to the day-to-day running of the centre in Dubai, including operations and administration, finance and budgeting, in-house and third-party events, enterprises (shop and restaurant), and spear-heading an expansion in development and partnerships, including sponsorship, publishing and consultancy services.A key member of Art Jameel’s global leadership team, this Deputy Director, Art Jameel (UAE) role follows (and contributes to shaping) the strategy and objectives set by Art Jameel’s Director and Board, and helps nurture a growing, dynamic team and engaged organisational culture. This role joins other senior leaders at Art Jameel across the UAE and KSA, including Deputy Directors who oversee programming.Responsibilities and duties:Jameel Arts Centre – Leadership, Operations and AdministrationDevelop the annual budget and five-year projections for Jameel Arts Centre, in close coordination with Art Jameel’s Director, Deputy Directors and Senior ManagersOversee budgets related to operations, building, enterprises and capex, liaising closely with finance and other departmentsTake responsibility for the smooth running of Jameel Arts Centre day-to-day, including building management, facilities, IT, administration, office management, procurement, finance, security, maintenance, capital improvementsUpdate, devise, internally communicate and implement bespoke procedures and policies to respond to Jameel Arts Centre’s operational needs and strive for ever-more efficient, smoother and streamlined processesOversee setting and maintaining SOPs for legal and finance, including maintaining and updating legal templates, filing signed documents, liaising closely with legal counselWith the Operations and Administration teams, ensure all licenses, permits, insurance contracts and other legal documents are consistently updated and renewedLead on insurance and risk assessment plus strategies/actions regarding safeguarding practicesContribute to Art Jameel’s sustainability strategy and lead on dynamic operational initiatives to reduce carbon footprint and waste at Jameel Arts CentreCo-lead on creating a positive, inspirational and supportive environment at Jameel Arts Centre for the team, stakeholders and visitorsWorking with the Head of People and other senior leaders, play an integral role in setting Art Jameel’s culture in the UAE and in maintaining a motivated, informed and happy team and fostering a reflective and reflexive organisationAs a member of the senior leadership team, actively promote and integrate kaizen principles (of continuous improvement) into the organisation’s operational practicesContribute to the strategy for developing Art Jameel’s digital sites and programmes and lead on delivering operational supportWork with counterparts in the Jeddah office and the global leadership team to encourage and facilitate collaborative, cross-country practices and systemsUAE government relationsLiaise with government stakeholders including Dubai Holding and Dubai Community Management (master-planners/owners of the area surrounding the Jameel) to enhance cooperation and support and to develop Jaddaf Waterfront as a cultural destinationTake responsibility for all licenses related to Art Jameel activities in the UAE; stay abreast of new legislation – analyse and communicate changes to senior and relevant teams, lead on updatesContribute to broader scope of liaison with UAE government entities to ensure recognition and support for Art Jameel’s UAE-based activitiesJameel Arts Centre development, partnerships and enterprisesOversee Senior Managers and managers devoted to enterprises, partnerships and development, working with them and their teams to increase third-party fundingDevise and implement membership and patronage schemes as required; contribute to building strategies and lead on sales for Art Jameel PublishingSet targets and oversee development of venue hire, sponsorship, enterprises (shop and restaurant), partnerships, third party events and other income-generating initiatives designed to support Art Jameel’s workDevelop personal and Art Jameel networks across the UAE and beyond, to better enhance Art Jameel’s collaborative mandate; regularly represent the organisation at industry and eventsOversee and develop Art Jameel’s consultancy arm, seeking out new opportunities for Art Jameel to contribute to shaping the creative industries in the Gulf and beyond; liaise with clients; work with the AJ team to respond to bids, devise strategies, pricing structures and programmesEnsure the highest quality and impact of AJ’s work and programmes by contributing to evaluation and feedback initiatives, with a special focus on operations, enterprises and partnershipsSupport the Director in presenting organisational updates and reports to the Board, chaired by Mohammed and Fady JameelWho should apply:The role would suit an entrepreneurial, charismatic team player with experience in inspiring and managing a team and running a public-facing enterprise, such as a start-up, SME or cultural organisation. Ideally, Art Jameel is seeking someone able to both manage effectively and increase efficiency behind-the-scenes and also network publicly, to broaden Art Jameel’s base of stakeholders and supporters and ultimately grow and diversify its funding base.An appreciation of and enthusiasm for the creative industries is required – but candidates do not necessarily need to come with direct experience of working in the arts.Learn more and apply here: https://jameelartscentre.org/jobs/deputy-director/