Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation

<p><span><strong>Position Summary</strong></span><br><br><span>The Director will lead the design and growth of AUIB’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. This includes integrating entrepreneurship into the curriculum, launching and managing programs such as incubators and accelerators, and building strong partnerships with industry, government, and international organizations. The Director will serve as a visible campus leader, helping students, faculty, and alumni translate ideas into ventures that create impact in Iraq and beyond.</span><br><br><span><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></span></p><p><br><span>•    Develop and implement a comprehensive entrepreneurship and innovation strategy for AUIB.</span><br><span>•    Design and oversee programs such as startup bootcamps, pitch competitions, and venture accelerators.</span><br><span>•    Support student and faculty ventures through mentorship, training, and access to networks, investors, and resources.</span><br><span>•    Integrate entrepreneurship into academic programs in collaboration with faculty.</span><br><span>•    Build and sustain partnerships with industry, government, NGOs, donors, and international agencies.</span><br><span>•    Manage staff, budgets, facilities, and impact metrics for entrepreneurship initiatives.</span><br><span>•    Represent AUIB regionally and internationally as a hub for innovation and venture creation.</span></p><p><span><strong>Education and Experience</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>Master’s degree in business, innovation, entrepreneurship, or related field (Ph.D. or MBA preferred).</span></li><li><span>At least 10 years of leadership experience in entrepreneurship centers, startup incubation/acceleration, innovation programs, or related fields.</span></li><li><span>Demonstrated success in program development, fundraising, and building external partnerships.</span></li><li><span>Experience mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting venture development.</span></li><li><span>Strong communication and networking skills, with cultural competence to work effectively in diverse and international contexts.</span></li><li><span>Familiarity with U.S.-style higher education preferred.</span><br><br> </li></ul><p>#LI-REMOTE</p> <br><p><strong>Why AUIB?</strong></p> <p><strong>Diversity and Inclusivity:</strong> At AUIB, we champion diversity and inclusivity in every aspect of campus life. Our vibrant community is a tapestry of cultures, ideas, and dreams, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone through fair and equal policies.</p> <p><strong>Competitive Benefits:</strong> AUIB offers competitive salaries, comprehensive health plans, and generous leave policies, ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of our staff.</p> <p><strong>Professional Development:</strong> With numerous opportunities for career progression and professional development, AUIB is the ideal place to enhance your skills and advance your career.</p> <p><strong>A Thriving Community:</strong> Our expatriate faculty and staff enjoy comfortable on-campus accommodations, and a vibrant campus equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including an expansive library, modern classrooms, and recreational amenities.</p> <p><strong>A Legacy of Excellence:</strong> Situated in Baghdad, AUIB is dedicated to reviving the city’s historic legacy of learning and culture. Joining AUIB means being part of a prestigious project envisioned by prominent figures in business, government, and education.</p> <br><p><strong>Application Requirements:</strong></p> <p>To be considered for any role at the American University of Iraq—Baghdad (AUIB), applicants are required to submit the following documents:</p> <ul> <li>Cover letter: Detail how your skills and experience align with the specific requirements of the position you are applying for.</li> <li>Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Provide an up-to-date resume or CV.</li> <li>Identification: A valid national ID or passport is required for the application process.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Please note that applications missing any of these components will not be considered.</strong></p> <p>Candidates Shortlisted for an Interview:</p> <p>If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will need to provide additional documentation:</p> <ul> <li>Educational transcripts and certifications must be translated into English.</li> <li>References: Provide contact details for three references who have either worked with you or supervised your work.</li> </ul>

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...