Confidential University focused on the arts and culture, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is entering a new era through Vision 2030, with arts and culture at the center of its social and economic transformation. As part of this ambitious agenda, a new University (name pending) has been established as the first university in the MENA region dedicated entirely to arts and culture. This pioneering institution will offer an unparalleled range of programs across theatre, film, music, literature, heritage, architecture, design, visual arts, and culinary arts, from vocational training through to doctoral research.

We are now seeking to appoint an exceptional leader to the position of Vice Provost Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship. This is a rare opportunity to play a founding role in establishing the research and innovation ecosystem that will position this groundbreaking university as a global hub for cultural research, creative innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence. The Vice Provost will provide strategic leadership for all research, innovation, and entrepreneurship activities across the University, reporting directly to the Provost and working closely with academic leadership.

You will lead the development and delivery of the University's research vision, ensuring the highest standards of scholarly inquiry while fostering a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking. The role will include responsibility for establishing research centers, innovation hubs, and entrepreneurship incubators, developing policies on intellectual property and commercialization, and managing spin-off initiatives. You will secure diverse external funding and build strategic collaborations with industry, government, and global institutions to strengthen research impact and integration into innovation networks.

The Vice Provost will oversee the day-to-day operations of research offices, innovation programs, and entrepreneurship centers, ensuring compliance with national and international research ethics and regulatory standards. You will monitor research outputs including publications, patents, and technology transfers, while facilitating faculty development programs focused on research capacity building and innovation integration. In addition, you will represent the University's research and innovation efforts locally and internationally, fostering relationships with funding agencies, industry partners, government bodies, and academic institutions.

Candidates will bring 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in academic research, innovation, or entrepreneurship, preferably in higher education or government-funded institutions. You will demonstrate a proven track record in securing large-scale research grants and managing cross-institutional initiatives, combined with familiarity with national research priorities, intellectual property law, and global innovation trends. Strong capabilities in strategic planning, budgeting, and operational excellence will be essential, alongside expertise in fostering faculty engagement and driving institutional research culture.

This appointment offers an extraordinary opportunity to shape the research and innovation landscape of cultural education on a global scale and to help build an institution that will define the future of creative research and entrepreneurship in the region.

Job reference number: 8049.

For informal inquiries please contact Harvir Bains at harvir.bains@perrettlaver.com or +(44)20 3928 7355.

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