Regional Director, Middle East

About Harvard Business Publishing

Harvard Business Publishing is a premier source of cutting-edge management insights aimed at lifelong learners seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities in a dynamically evolving world.

Organization Overview

At Harvard Business Impact, we are dedicated to excellence in business education. We collaborate with higher education institutions, educators, and students globally to deliver outstanding learning experiences that cultivate leaders prepared for a transforming world. Our offerings include case studies, simulations, articles, online courses, and innovative AI-driven educational tools. Additionally, we provide pedagogical support, teaching guidance, and curriculum advice to educators to facilitate impactful and memorable learning opportunities.

Position Summary

The Regional Director for the Middle East is a strategic, highly experienced leader responsible for growing and managing Harvard Business Impact’s presence in the region’s higher education sector. This role blends commercial expertise with relationship leadership and requires both hands-on strategic involvement and oversight of a regional team. The director will champion regional strategy and performance, foster robust internal and external relationships, and coordinate complex, multi-party engagements. Acting as the key Harvard Business Impact figure in the Middle East, the position demands influencing senior stakeholders such as chancellors, presidents, deans, government officials, and board members.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Harvard Business Impact’s expansion in the Middle East by identifying strategic growth opportunities and establishing durable collaborations with educational institutions.
• Develop and nurture relationships with senior academic and government leaders, including chancellors, presidents, deans, and ministry officials.
• Maintain a strong pipeline of prospective partners, positioning Harvard Business Impact as a trusted ally for universities navigating digital shifts and AI adoption.
• Manage and mentor a small regional team, promoting a culture of accountability, teamwork, and alignment with global objectives.
• Design and implement regional sales strategies to meet revenue goals and broaden institutional engagement.
• Lead sophisticated consultative sales processes, tailoring Harvard Business Impact's portfolio of cases, simulations, articles, and digital learning solutions to meet institutional needs.
• Guide partners through the full collaboration lifecycle—from initial contact and solution development to negotiation and sustained partnership.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with global marketing, product, and customer success teams to coordinate outreach and maximize the value delivered to institutions.
• Monitor the regional market environment, institutional priorities, and competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions and report insights to leadership.
• Represent Harvard Business Impact at prominent regional conferences, academic forums, and industry gatherings, fostering relationships and generating new partnerships.
• Regularly report on regional results, pipeline status, and market trends, ensuring consistent alignment with global strategy through open communication.

Candidate Profile

• At least ten years of experience in business development, partnerships, or commercial leadership within education, publishing, professional services, or comparable industries.
• Proven excellence in managing intricate institutional sales cycles and cultivating enduring relationships with universities and government entities.
• Expertise in crafting and implementing regional growth plans.
• Success in earning trust from senior academic and institutional executives as well as government officials.
• An entrepreneurial spirit and autonomy suited for regional leadership roles.
• Experience operating within complex organizational structures and negotiating high-value agreements.
• Capacity to function as a player-coach, balancing direct engagement with team leadership and development.
• Strong skills in collaboration and stakeholder relationship management.
• Adaptability, intellectual curiosity, and a growth mindset.
• Comprehensive understanding of Middle Eastern business and cultural engagement norms.
• Familiarity with higher education systems and the accelerating adoption of digital and active learning tools.
• A keen interest in the role of AI and digital innovation in transforming education.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Proficiency in Arabic or other regional languages is highly preferred.
• Willingness to travel within the Middle East region up to 50% of the time.

Additional Information

As a mission-driven global employer, Harvard Business Publishing fosters an inclusive and engaging environment where all employees feel valued and respected. The organization offers competitive pay, employee benefits, and developmental programs like education reimbursement and summer Fridays with early release. Equal employment opportunity is firmly upheld without discrimination across various legally protected categories.