Director Academic Partnerships

Morgan Healey Exclusive

Location: Dubai

Salary: Excellent, on application

PLEASE: Only apply if you have experience working for an STM / academic publisher in the UAE.

Our client, a global research publisher, requires a new Director of Academic Partnerships (Middle East) to lead regional content growth and strategic partnerships across academic publishing and researcher services.

This is a senior, commercially focused role responsible for expanding our presence in the Middle East by building influential partnerships and driving the acquisition of high-quality academic content.

You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the research ecosystem—including funders, institutions, and key opinion leaders—to position our organisation as a trusted and high-impact partner in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive content growth across books, journals, and researcher services in the Middle East
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior academics, funders, institutions, and government bodies
• Identify and engage key opinion leaders (KOLs) to enhance influence and content acquisition
• Deliver against commercial and strategic objectives, including revenue and performance targets
• Provide market intelligence and insights on regional trends, competition, and opportunities
• Contribute to product and service development ideas based on market needs
• Represent the organisation at industry events and conferences to strengthen brand presence

Skills & Experience:

• You are a commercially minded leader with deep experience in academic publishing or the research ecosystem, and a strong network across the Middle East.
• Proven success in developing strategic partnerships and driving revenue growth
• Strong understanding of the regional research and publishing landscape
• Experience in content acquisition and delivery within a publishing environment
• Established networks across academia, funding bodies, and institutions
• Ability to analyse market conditions and adapt strategy accordingly
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills at senior levels
• A results-driven mindset, with the ability to execute from strategy through to delivery
• Strong financial and commercial acumen
• Confidence as a presenter and ambassador, in both English and Arabic

http://www.morganhealey.com

Leading experts in STM Publishing & Digital Content Recruitment

Referrals: We offer a reward if you recommend the perfect candidate for this position and our client hires them. You can send contact details of anyone you want to recommend to mail@morganhealey.com