Programs Director

**Who we Are**:
AstroLabs is the largest business expansion platform in the GCC and Saudi Arabia. Over the past decade, we have become a catalyst for industry development and innovation across multiple economic sectors by:
(a) Supporting regional and global players as they enter new markets.

(b) Driving innovation within large corporations by developing tailored launchpads that align with industry needs, facilitating both internal and external transformation.

(c) Custom-designing programs for government institutions to upskill talent, promote local businesses, and import international expertise, ultimately fueling economic growth.

**Who You Are**:
We’re seeking a highly skilled Programs Director to join our programs team, responsible for driving innovation and sector enablement for our clients. In this role, you will:

- Design and implement assigned programs to achieve both client satisfaction and target outcomes, while ensuring profitability and aiming for recurring business.
- Cultivate and expand business within assigned accounts by identifying and securing new program opportunities.
- Actively participate in business development through lead generation, building tailored proposals, attending client meetings, and creating innovative approaches to grow the unit’s offerings.
- Contribute to the growth of the unit through thought leadership and by mentoring team members to drive collective success.
- Retain and grow top-performing team members, and recruit additional talent, both full-time and project-based, as needed.

This is an ideal opportunity for a strategic, hands-on professional with a track record in fast-paced, entrepreneurial, tech, and digital environments. You will be a key player in shaping the next wave of startups, high-growth businesses, and business leaders in the region, interacting with senior stakeholders in government and leading local and international companies.

This role is especially suited for individuals with a background as both a founder and a consultant who are looking to make a tangible impact on regional ecosystems and lead a team towards operational excellence in innovation and program design.

**The Role**:
AstroLabs runs high-impact, practical entrepreneurial programs throughout the MENA region. As the Programs Director, you will be responsible for program delivery from design through to execution, ensuring milestones and operational excellence are met. With ambitious plans to scale in KSA, UAE, and regionally, and with a diverse mix of face-to-face, online, and blended delivery channels, you will be instrumental in designing impactful programs.
- ** 70%** of your time will be focused on managing projects, overseeing program execution, and working with clients to deliver successful outcomes.
- ** 30%** of your time will be devoted to identifying new business opportunities, nurturing existing client relationships, and developing strategies to secure new or expanded projects.

**Your Responsibilities**:
**Client Relationship & Communication**
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring program effectiveness and alignment with client expectations.
- Understand and document client goals and success metrics, communicating these insights to the program team and leadership.
- Proactively anticipate and resolve critical client issues, ensuring exceptional service and satisfaction.
- Maintain open communication with clients, manage their expectations, and advocate for the best interest of both the client and the company.
- Document and track client objectives, needs, and opportunities that fall outside the current program scope.
- Proactively upsell or renew contracts with existing clients to secure continued business.
- Address budget issues proactively, coordinating with finance and other departments as needed.

**Account Development & Revenue Growth**
- Develop and manage detailed account plans to deliver consistent quality across services.
- Generate referrals and new business opportunities within client networks, expanding into new accounts or adjacent areas.
- Lead efforts to capitalize on growth opportunities and secure major new accounts.
- Meet quarterly targets for new business and repeat engagements.
- Drive account development through nurturing client relationships and identifying key stakeholders.
- Lead the creation of strategic proposals and presentations tailored to client needs to secure new engagements.

**Program Design, Delivery & Technical Excellence**
- Build program assets, playbooks, and capabilities to drive success in program delivery.
- Address and mitigate design challenges across various program types.
- Leverage local networks to recruit high-profile speakers, mentors, and experts to add value.
- Lead engaging mentorship sessions to enhance the program’s impact.
- Ensure high-quality program delivery, monitoring team performance and outcomes.
- Document and share best practices and knowledge for future projects.
- Innovate to