Partnerships & Development Section Head

Zayed National Museum is located at the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi. The national museum of the United Arab Emirates celebrates the rich history, culture and stories of its people from ancient times to modern day. It tells the story of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose enduring example still guides the nation and its people today.

Through its exhibitions, research and public programmes, Zayed National Museum explores the origins of Sheikh Zayed’s values and their lasting influence on the country he founded. Renowned for his wisdom and humility, his life was defined by his deep devotion to his Islamic faith, determined leadership and unshakeable belief in the power of unity. The museum celebrates his timeless values and his unwavering commitment to openness, knowledge and education, all embedded within a deep understanding of Emirati culture and history.

As a cultural institution dedicated to knowledge and inclusive public engagement, Zayed National Museum builds on the long-standing role of the UAE as a global meeting place and a vibrant centre for the exchange of ideas. It aims to provide visitors with a welcoming, informative and unique experience that honours the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and his lifelong commitment to preserving the rich culture and heritage of the UAE and its people.

Job Purpose

The role of Partnerships & Development Section Head is to support the Director of the department in developing the museum's partnership, development, membership policy and strategy and implementing a plan for corporate giving and engagement, building vital links with the regional and national business community and managing Partnership, Sponsorships and Membership teams.

Responsibilities

Pre-Opening

• Work with the Director of Development & Commercial Services to develop the partnership, sponsorship and membership strategies of the museum and to develop a list of target organisations in advance of opening.
• Identify potential sponsors for the opening ceremony of the museum.
• Recruitment and Selection of the Partnership & Development team.
• Set the partnership strategy with the director of the museum.

Ongoing

• Evaluate the full spectrum of the museum’s assets that could further particular corporate objectives, from association with the museum as a brand to specific museum-related benefits.
• Increase membership at all levels and develop effective strategies for inspiring new members, retaining existing members, and creating stimulating benefits and programming.
• Identify, cultivate and successfully solicit major gifts from a diverse group of individuals, corporations and foundations. Ensure high-quality and appropriate stewardship of donors at all gift levels.
• Manage a portfolio of top donors and prospects, and assist and support the Museum Director with their portfolio of top donors and prospects.
• Identify new revenue streams with commercial organisations / sponsors, plan, write and edit project and partnerships/sponsorships proposals, manage negotiations and liaise with legal teams too prepare relevant contracts and ensure compliance with the museum's guidelines and standards.
• Monitor the market’s status and adjust the strategy accordingly by diversifying the engagement offerings to the corporate community.
• Assign, monitor and evaluate the portfolios of other team members and provide support and guidance when needed.
• Work with the public engagement, marketing and communications teams to ready the Museum for future campaigns.
• Work with the Director to train, mentor and support Museum colleagues, senior leadership and ZNM Board members in their donor and prospect engagement activities. Seek ways to maximize their personal giving and participation in philanthropic programs.
• Prepare financial reports for the Department Director and the Finance Department on income from partnership, sponsorship, individual giving and membership-related transactions.
• Liaise with the Events team for the fulfilment of corporate membership/sponsorship benefits including special events, recognition, and stewardship programmes.

Required Education / Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject or equivalent e.g. business administration, finance, marketing.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of experience, at least 5 years of demonstrated experience in corporate sales, with exposure to corporate funding and sponsorship support.
• Experience of using CRM / fundraising systems and databases.
• Experience of dealing with high-level stakeholders, decision makers and HNW individuals.
• Experience of budget management.
• Knowledge of the corporate sector and its intersection with history/cultural arts community.
• Fluency in Arabic and English.