Alserkal is a socially responsible and forward-thinking cultural enterprise dedicated to developing sustainable models for homegrown initiatives with a commitment to nurturing alternative ideas and impactful research with regional relevance. Founded in 2007 by Emirati businessman and patron Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, Alserkal is renowned for its ground-breaking artistic productions, experimental approach and for the creation of culturally meaningful spaces that inspire and shape communities. Alserkal has three primary areas of activity: cultivating a creative economy in Dubai and building a collaborative network of civic-cultural institutions through its renowned cultural district, Alserkal Avenue; providing advisory services to public and private sector entities; and, supporting public artist commissions, residencies, research grants and educational programmes through its non-profit, Alserkal Arts Foundation.

Alserkal has transformed the cultural landscape of Dubai and the UAE through the creation of a thriving, region-specific community of over 70 contemporary art galleries, visual and performing arts organisations, designers and entrepreneur-led businesses at Alserkal Avenue, providing an essential platform for the development of creative industries in the region.

Alserkal utilises its collective expertise in arts initiatives and cultural production, heritage creation, community building and engagement, as well as urbanism and planning for creative industries, to guide public and private sector entities in developing sustainable and responsive business models.

Essential Functions & Objectives

Experienced People and Project Manager

Communications and/or Content Management experience

Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills

This role is central to the effective administration and day-to-day functioning of the Alserkal Arts Foundation (AAF) and its full range of activities. The Foundation Manager plays a pivotal organisational role, overseeing project management across all programmes and ensuring timely coordination, high-quality content, and consistent communications at every stage.

The position supports the delivery of the Alserkal family’s philanthropic vision in the arts—fostering long-term legacy-building through rigorous programming, research grants, colloquia, public art commissions, and a leading residency programme. Collectively, these initiatives position AAF as a regional hub for multidisciplinary research and artistic experimentation.

Working closely with the Foundation Director and Alserkal Management team, the Foundation Manager is a key contributor to the implementation, content oversight, and strategic growth of the Foundation, ensuring operational excellence and sustained visibility.

Overseen by the Foundation Director and Alserkal Management, this role requires

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project & Administrative Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Foundation, managing timelines, workflows, and team output.

• Support team structure by managing junior team members and interns, offering clear development guidance.

• Coordinate internal and cross-functional meetings, ensuring action plans and follow-ups are delivered effectively.

• Work closely with operations, production, and finance teams to manage budgets, procurement, vendor engagement, logistics, and reporting.

2. Content & Communications Oversight

• Serve as the primary reviewer of all Foundation-related content, including press releases, event descriptions, digital copy, research summaries, and grant outputs, ensuring brand alignment and high editorial standards.

• Liaise with the central Marketing and Communications team to ensure content is timely, accurate, and audience-focused.

• Review and approve all outward-facing materials including event collateral, digital campaigns, and communications to stakeholders.

3. Programme Management: Residencies & Grants

• Manage planning and implementation of the biannual residency programme and research grant cycle.

• Act as key liaison for residents, grantees, and selection committees—handling onboarding, logistics, communications, and pastoral care.

• Coordinate application cycles, including open calls, nominations, committee meetings, and public programming.

• Oversee travel, accommodation, studio readiness, and local engagement plans for all residents and awardees.

4. Events & Public Programming

• Coordinate logistics for talks, workshops, colloquia, and seminars—working with both internal and external partners.

• Draft programme outlines, secure speakers, and manage all event logistics, including contracts, schedules, and hospitality.

• Ensure alignment with audience development goals and support in post-event reporting and impact assessments.

5. Public Commissions & Exhibition Support

• Support the planning and delivery of public art commissions and exhibitions in collaboration with the production and curatorial teams.

• Review and track project milestones, budgets, and stakeholder communications.

• Supervise marketing outputs, logistics coordination, and content development for associated events and outreach.

Required skills + experience

• Strong leadership skills to be able to manage a team. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Minimum 5 years' experience in project management, arts administration or cultural programming roles.

• Demonstrated experience managing multi-stakeholder projects with multiple timelines.

• High level of editorial literacy with the ability to assess and refine content for public consumption.

• Familiarity with curatorial practices and contemporary arts discourse in the region.

• Excellent organisational, interpersonal, and written communication skills.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to navigate high-pressure periods and deliver multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining the highest quality standards, accurate budgeting, and clear reporting.

• Adaptable and open to feedback, with a continuous drive to improve performance, develop professionally, and seek out learning opportunities.

• Fluent in English (Arabic or South Asian languages a plus).

• BA in Arts Administration, Humanities, or similar field; MA preferred.

• Work experience in the GCC or wider region desirable

Apply: [email protected]