Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation

About the role

The Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation will shape and expand AUIB’s ecosystem for venture creation. Reporting to senior university leadership, the role blends strategic planning, program management, and external partnership building to turn ideas into impactful businesses across Iraq and beyond.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a university‑wide entrepreneurship and innovation strategy.
• Design, launch, and oversee incubators, accelerators, bootcamps, pitch competitions, and related programs.
• Provide mentorship, training, and network access to student and faculty ventures.
• Integrate entrepreneurship modules into existing curricula in partnership with faculty.
• Forge and maintain collaborations with industry, government, NGOs, donors, and international agencies.
• Manage staff, budgets, facilities, and impact‑measurement metrics for all entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Represent AUIB regionally and internationally as a hub for innovation.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in business, innovation, entrepreneurship or a related field (Ph.D. or MBA preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in entrepreneurship centers, incubators, accelerators, or comparable innovation programs.
• Proven track record in program development, fundraising, and building external partnerships.
• Experience mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting venture growth.
• Strong communication and networking abilities with cultural competence for diverse, international contexts.
• Familiarity with U.S.-style higher education is an advantage.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive health benefits.
• Generous leave policies and professional development opportunities.
• On‑campus accommodation and state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
• Being part of a prestigious university dedicated to reviving Baghdad’s historic legacy of learning.