Job Description
Job Title:
Manager, Rami Zahi Khouri Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub
Location:
Bethlehem, Palestine
Reports To:
VP for Development
Position Summary
The Manager will lead the strategy and operations of the Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Dar al-Kalima University, positioning it as a pioneering platform for creative industries in Palestine and the wider region.
Rooted in the University’s commitment to art, culture, design, and community engagement, the Hub will empower students, artists, and cultural practitioners to transform creative expression into sustainable enterprises that foster economic resilience, cultural preservation, and social transformation.
The Manager will cultivate an ecosystem where creativity meets entrepreneurship, enabling innovative responses to local challenges while connecting Palestinian creative talent to regional and global markets.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a strategy that positions the Hub as a leader in creative industries, cultural entrepreneurship, and social innovation in Palestine and beyond.
- Align the Hub’s vision and operations with Dar al-Kalima’s mission of empowerment, dignity, and cultural identity.
- Build strategic partnerships with local and international cultural and educational institutions, creative networks, NGOs, and private sector actors.
Creative Industries Development
- Support the innovative and entrepreneurial growth of sectors such as:
- Visual arts and crafts
- Film, media, and digital storytelling
- Performing arts and music
- Design (fashion, product, graphic, and digital design)
- Cultural heritage and creative tourism
- Develop tracks, including training and mentorship programs, for students and graduates to launch and sustain creative enterprises and startups.
- Facilitate access to markets, including e-commerce, exhibitions, festivals, and global platforms.
Programs & Innovation Platforms
- Launch innovation labs integrating art, technology, and entrepreneurship (e.g., digital arts, gaming, immersive media).
- Organize competitions, residencies, hackathons, and exhibitions that showcase creative entrepreneurship.
- Assist in the integration of entrepreneurial learning into arts, culture and design curricula.
Community Engagement & Impact
- Position the Hub as a catalyst for community-based cultural development and social entrepreneurship.
- Engage marginalized groups, including youth and women, in creative economic opportunities.
- Foster projects that preserve Palestinian cultural heritage while innovating for the future.
- Contribute to shaping discourse on culture as a driver of resilience and economic development.
Funding & Sustainability
- Secure funding through local and international donors, cultural foundations, development agencies, and private sponsors.
- Identify, design and develop project grants, oversee effective implementation, and ensure timely, high-quality reporting in compliance with donor and institutional requirements.
- Develop sustainable revenue streams (consulting, training programs, production services, creative labs).
- Manage budgets and ensure transparent, accountable financial practices.
National & Global Connectivity
- Build national and international networks and partnerships linking Palestinian creatives to national and global creative industries, companies, investors, universities, NGOs, donors, accelerators, and government institutions.
- Establish exchange programs, joint projects, and mobility opportunities.
- Promote the global visibility of Palestinian art and creative enterprises.
- Organize events such as hackathons, bootcamps, etc.
Operations & Team Leadership
- Manage the Hub’s operations and team including the day-to-day processes and activities.
- Recruit and lead a multidisciplinary team.
- Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure economic, cultural, and social impact.
- Ensure inclusive, ethical, and accessible participation across all programs.
Qualifications
Required
- Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Arts, Cultural Management, Creative Industries, Business, Entrepreneurship, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in creative industries, innovation hubs, or cultural organizations.
- Proven experience in program development, partnership building, and fundraising.
- Deep understanding of the Palestinian context and/or similar socio-political environments.
Preferred
- Experience working at the intersection of art, culture, and economic development.
- Track record in launching or managing creative enterprises, startups, or incubators.
- Strong international network in cultural and creative sectors.
- Familiarity with digital platforms, creative technologies, and cultural production ecosystems.
Key Competencies
- Visionary leadership grounded in cultural identity and social impact
- Strong entrepreneurial mindset within artistic and cultural contexts
- Ability to bridge local realities with global opportunities
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills
- Financial acumen and resource mobilization
Impact of the Role
This role is central to positioning Dar al-Kalima University as a regional leader in creative industries and cultural entrepreneurship. The Manager will help shape a generation of Palestinian creatives who not only produce meaningful art but also build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen cultural identity, and contribute to economic resilience under challenging conditions.