Head of Business Development - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ABOUT CIC CIC builds and connects thriving innovation communities around the world and creates spaces where startups, scale-ups, corporations, and public institutions come together to overcome challenges and grow. Founded in 1999, CIC was one of the first companies to offer flexible office space and coworking options, providing a platform for the world’s most impactful entrepreneurs to innovate better and faster.  CIC manages a global network of innovation-focused workspaces, laboratories, and event spaces across North America, Europe, and Asia. Beyond our spaces, CIC develops innovation-focused programming, builds and enables industry clusters, and offers consulting services to help public and private sector partners foster innovation ecosystems. Over the years, CIC has supported multiple startups, scale-ups, corporations, and public entities across a wide variety of industries and sectors. We invite you to explore our opportunities and learn more about our teams here. ABOUT CIC CATALYST CIC Catalyst activates extraordinary innovation environments to build a better future. We provide high-touch services to corporations, municipalities, and academic institutions to aid disruptive thinking, develop new concepts, instill an innovative mindset, and deliver strategic growth plans for innovation districts. We drive venture and idea creation, leveraging the power of proximity to connect diverse partners and foster collaborative, future-focused outcomes. YOUR DAY-TO-DAY WORK We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Head of Business Development to establish and significantly grow CIC Catalyst’s presence and revenue stream across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with an immediate focus on high-potential markets like Saudi Arabia. This is a crucial role designed to professionalize our market penetration efforts, moving beyond reliance on part-time resources and periodic travel to drive substantial new business growth. Your responsibilities will include: • Strategic Revenue Generation: Define and execute a regional strategy to generate new revenue opportunities for all CIC Catalyst services, including Captains, DesCon (Design Consulting), and Expansion teams. • Market Leadership and Presence: Serve as the dedicated, full-time representative for CIC in the region, actively building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government entities (e.g. NTDP and Wadi Jeddah) and private sector partners. • Pipeline Management: Manage the full Business Development lifecycle, from initial lead generation and qualification to proposal development and contract negotiation, ensuring a strong, consistent pipeline of business opportunities. • Immediate Opportunity Capture: Focus efforts on converting immediate high-value opportunities and other contracts requiring local team deployment. • Staffing & Support: Work closely with the global team to anticipate staffing needs and work with the Partners and Director of Strategy to allocate resources for secured contracts. • Risk Mitigation: Proactively ensure the company is viewed as a strategic, long-term partner in the MENA region by maintaining a strong, local presence and commitment. ABOUT YOU We like to employ service-minded people who are dependable and able to work independently. More specifically, we are looking for someone who possesses the following characteristics: • A strong communicator. You’re a balanced and comfortable presence around all people, with a proven record of professional success, and some hard-won lessons only challenging situations or failure can teach. You communicate effectively with team members and clients alike, including under pressure. You’re comfortable reaching out proactively to ensure expectations are shared and met, and comfortable speaking in front of large groups. You have the ability to translate business goals into program delivery and services. • Naturally drawn to a "start-up" environment, and eager for work that requires you to be independent, strategic, and proactive. You have experience and ease working with companies of various sizes, cultures, and native languages, and the ability to shift approach based on the needs and workstyle of the client. • Creative and strategic visionary, coming up with new ideas and effectively implementing ways to bring them to life. You have exemplary time management and organizational skills, and can work to a deadline while keeping the big picture in mind.  • Able to work independently for lengthy periods on projects. • Strong relationship with technology; Mac and Google Suite proficient. YOU HAVE • 10+ years of Business Development experience, ideally in innovation, economic development, or consulting in the Middle East. • Deep understanding of the MENA market, culture, and contracting processes, with existing professional networks. • Ability to turn complex market insights and company capabilities into clear, executable business plans. • A self-starter who can operate independently, drive results, and manage long BD cycles (up to 6 months lag time). • Highly detail-oriented and organized work style with strong time-management skills. • Relevant experience, including a passion for and proven results in project management. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • A natural instinct for navigating challenging situations (high emotional intelligence). • A strong willingness to work closely with innovation-minded colleagues. • A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. • Fluency in English.  • Willingness to travel extensively within the Middle East. CIC is committed to building teams that reflect the fabric of the cities we support. We encourage and welcome all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Any other human expressions and experiences not mentioned here are equally welcome. If you require an accommodation please let us know. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.