Director of Employer Partnerships Middle East (Dubai)

Why IE University?

Every story begins with a purpose, and ours has always been about people. Founded in 1973, IE University has continuously raised the bar to drive positive change through education. We believe education is more than a path to professional success; it is a catalyst for personal transformation and meaningful impact. 

At IE University, we place people and their potential at the center of everything we do, empowering individuals to become extraordinary. We encourage bold thinking and foster a culture where innovation, curiosity, and courage lead to real-world impact. Together, we create an environment where talent thrives, and ideas shape the future. 

Our mission 

We support students in developing impact skills to live and lead with positive impact. This ignites a ripple effect: We transform people, who then transform others, systems, society, and, ultimately, our world.  

Our Purpose

To foster positive change.  

Values  

1. Cultivate the humanistic approach.  
2. Empower your entrepreneurial spirit 
3. Cherish the diversity of people, mind, and experience 
4. Drive innovation with a proactive mindset

Overview

IE University is seeking an experienced and strategic professional to serve as the Director of Employer Partnerships for the Middle East, based in Dubai. This role represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen IE’s presence and impact across the UAE and broader MENA region by developing strategic relationships with employers and alumni, directly supporting student career outcomes and enhancing alumni community value.

Reporting to the Talent & Careers Department in Madrid, the Director will focus on building long-term partnerships with companies and organizations across the UAE, while also covering other key markets in the Gulf and broader region as needed. The role requires close collaboration with IE’s Global Markets team (Dubai Office), Global Alumni Relations, and Sector Heads to ensure a unified institutional approach.

Key Responsibilities:

Employer Partnerships & Career Development (Primary Focus)

• Identify, build, and manage strategic relationships with companies across the UAE and MENA region to generate job and internship opportunities for IE students and alumni.
• Serve as a regional ambassador for IE Talent & Careers, aligning employer engagement strategies with student profiles, program strengths, and institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with IE’s Sector Heads and global teams to co-develop tailored value propositions for employers in key sectors such as finance, consulting, technology, energy, real estate, and government.
• Support the design and implementation of regional career treks, employer forums, and company visits for IE students and alumni.
• Work closely with IE’s regional offices and academic programs to ensure effective feedback loops and data-driven job placement outcomes.

Alumni Engagement & Strategic Relations

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with alumni in key industries to enhance employer access, mentorship, and talent pipelines, strengthening IE´s talent footprint in the region.
• Identify, cultivate, and follow up with alumni serving as hiring managers, mentors, speakers and company champions.
• Engage strategic alumni across the region—especially those in leadership or decision-making roles—to strengthen employer engagement and regional presence.
• Collaborate with alumni to organize and enrich student treks, company visits, and other experiential learning opportunities.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration & Market Intelligence

• Work closely with Global Markets, Corporate Relations, Global Alumni Relations, and Talent & Careers to ensure alignment in employer engagement and alumni strategies.
• Provide regular insights into regional employment trends, sector growth, and emerging opportunities.
• Track and report key performance metrics using shared CRM systems and institutional dashboards.
• Contribute to the broader institutional strategy roadmap through data analysis and regional intelligence.

• Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Master’s degree required.
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in relationship management, business development, employer engagement, or a related field.
  • Deep understanding of the UAE and MENA job markets, hiring practices, and business culture.
  • Proven ability to engage senior executives and build trust-based partnerships across corporate, governmental, and entrepreneurial sectors.
  • Strategic thinker with strong operational execution and ability to work independently within a global matrixed organization.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; multicultural fluency and adaptability are essential.
  • Fluency in English required; Arabic and/or Spanish highly valued.
  • Willingness to travel regionally and internationally, including regular visits to IE’s headquarters in Madrid.

  Location & Reporting

  • Base: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Reports to: Talent & Careers Department (Madrid)
  • Close coordination with: Global Markets team (Dubai Office), Sector Heads, and Global Alumni Relations