Regional Director, Middle East

About Harvard Business Impact

Harvard Business Publishing is a global leader in management thinking and learning content. Through Harvard Business Impact, the organization works with higher education institutions, educators, and students worldwide to deliver learning experiences that prepare future leaders for a rapidly evolving world. Its offerings include cases, simulations, articles, online courses, and AI-enabled learning tools, along with pedagogical guidance and curriculum support for faculty and program leaders.

Role Overview

Harvard Business Impact is looking for an accomplished Regional Director to lead growth across the Middle East higher education market. This is a senior commercial leadership role that blends hands-on business development with team leadership, requiring the ability to act as both a strategic driver and a coach to a small regional team.

The role owns regional strategy and performance, develops trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, coordinates complex multi-party engagements, and works closely with global teams to support business expansion. As the organization’s senior representative in the region, the Regional Director will help shape strategy, strengthen institutional partnerships, and ensure execution is aligned with global priorities.

The position involves engaging senior decision-makers such as chancellors, vice-chancellors, presidents, deans, senior government officials, and board-level leaders. It also calls for a strong consultative selling approach, an entrepreneurial mindset, and genuine interest in education and the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education.

The Regional Director will collaborate closely with the Senior Director, EMEA & APAC to drive regional growth, broaden market presence, and deliver revenue targets in the higher education sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Harvard Business Impact’s growth strategy across the Middle East and identify high-value institutional opportunities.
• Create and nurture long-term partnerships with universities and related institutions in the region.
• Build relationships with senior academic leaders and government stakeholders, including chancellors, presidents, deans, and ministry officials.
• Develop and maintain a healthy partnership pipeline while positioning HBI as a dependable long-term partner for institutions undergoing digital transformation and AI adoption.
• Lead, guide, and support a small regional team while encouraging accountability, collaboration, and alignment with global direction.
• Design and execute the regional sales approach to meet revenue goals and expand institutional reach.
• Manage complex consultative sales conversations with universities and government bodies, matching HBI solutions to each institution’s needs.
• Support institutions through the full partnership cycle, from first contact and solution design to negotiation and ongoing collaboration.
• Work with marketing, product, and customer success teams to ensure coordinated outreach and value delivery.
• Track market developments, institutional priorities, and competitive movements to shape regional strategy and inform leadership.
• Represent Harvard Business Impact at conferences, academic forums, and industry events across the region.
• Share regular updates on performance, pipeline progress, and market intelligence with senior leadership.
• Keep regional activity aligned with HBI’s global strategy through clear communication and close collaboration.

Experience and Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in business development, partnerships, or commercial leadership in education, publishing, professional services, or a similar field.
• A strong history of managing complex institutional sales processes and building durable partnerships with universities or government stakeholders.
• Experience creating and implementing regional growth plans.
• Proven ability to build trust with senior academic leaders, institutional executives, and government officials.
• An entrepreneurial approach and the confidence to work independently in a regional leadership position.
• Background in navigating complex, hierarchical organizations and negotiating high-value partnerships.
• Ability to operate as a player-coach, combining direct commercial work with leadership and team development.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• A growth-oriented mindset with adaptability and intellectual curiosity.
• Good understanding of Middle Eastern business culture and relationship-building practices.
• Familiarity with higher education systems and evolving digital and active learning solutions.
• Interest in how artificial intelligence and digital transformation are influencing higher education.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
• Arabic proficiency, or fluency in another regional language, is highly preferred.
• Willingness to travel within the Middle East region for about 50% of the time.

What the Company Offers

The company promotes an inclusive, trusting, and engaging environment where people are welcomed, respected, and valued. Along with a competitive compensation and benefits package, employees also receive development and wellness-focused support such as education reimbursement and early-release Summer Fridays.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Harvard Business Publishing is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified candidates are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, or any other legally protected characteristic.