Executive Director, Education Initiatives - School of Science & Technology

Overview:

Are you interested in joining a dynamic and international team of professionals to transform education? IE University's Science & Technology School - IEX Labs is looking for an Executive Director to join its team!

The Executive Director of Education Initiatives is responsible for the design should be lead by the academic director leading the development, and for scaling industry-integrated educational initiatives across IE School of Science & Technology. The role bridges academia and industry by developing innovative learning experiences that connect students, faculty, and corporate partners trough applied education.

Working closely with Program Directors, faculty members, the Career and Corporate Relations teams, and external organizations, the Executive Director oversees the design and delivery of initiatives such as Industry Gateways, executive education programs, hackathons, innovation challenges, corporate projects, and other experiential learning activities. The role ensures that all initiatives align with the School's strategic priorities while delivering measurable value to learners and partner organizations.

Why IE University?

Every story begins with a purpose, and ours has always been about people. Founded in 1973, IE University has continuously raised the bar to drive positive change through education. We believe education is more than a path to professional success; it is a catalyst for personal transformation and meaningful impact.

At IE University, we place people and their potential at the center of everything we do, empowering individuals to become extraordinary. We encourage bold thinking and foster a culture where innovation, curiosity, and courage lead to real-world impact. Together, we create an environment where talent thrives, and ideas shape the future.

Our mission

We support students in developing impact skills to live and lead with positive impact. This ignites a ripple effect: We transform people, who then transform others, systems, society, and, ultimately, our world.

Our Purpose

To foster positive change.

Values

Cultivate the humanistic approach.

Empower your entrepreneurial spirit

Cherish the diversity of people, mind, and experience

Drive innovation with a proactive mindset

We are looking for a person to join a full-time position in Madrid - IE Tower.

Responsibilities:

Your role as an Executive Director will involve:

Program Development

Oversee the design (design lead by academic directors), develop, and continuously improve industry-connected educational initiatives that enhance student employability and learning outcomes.

Lead the planning and execution of Industry Gateway Programs in collaboration with academic departments and corporate partners.

Develop and manage executive education initiatives tailored to the needs of companies and professionals.

Support curriculum innovation by integrating experiential learning opportunities into academic programs.

Identify emerging trends in higher education and industry to propose new educational formats and learning experiences.

Industry Partnerships

Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, industry leaders, and delivery partners.

Identify opportunities for new collaborations that strengthen the School's educational portfolio.

Coordinate corporate participation in academic activities, including guest lectures, company projects, mentoring, innovation challenges, and networking events.

Program Management

Oversee the end-to-end delivery of education initiatives, ensuring quality, efficiency, and alignment with institutional objectives.

Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation for multiple concurrent initiatives.

Coordinate cross-functional teams including faculty, operations, marketing, admissions, careers, and external partners.

Establish performance indicators, monitor outcomes, and prepare reports to evaluate program effectiveness and impact.

Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful program delivery.

Events and Experiential Learning

Lead the design and delivery of high-impact experiential learning activities, including:

Hackathons

Innovation challenges

Corporate immersion experiences

Executive workshops

Industry events and conferences

Applied learning projects in collaboration with partner organizations

Qualifications:

To thrive in this role, you should possess the following qualifications:

Required Qualifications

Master's degree in Education, Business Administration, Management, or a related field.

Minimum of five years of experience in higher education, executive education, or learning and development.

Proven experience managing complex educational programs or cross-functional projects.

Demonstrated success in developing and managing strategic partnerships with corporate organizations.

Strong project management and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in corporate learning or executive education.

Knowledge of experiential and project-based learning methodologies.

Experience working with international organizations or global education environments.

Understanding of employer engagement and talent development initiatives.

Competencies

Strategic thinking and execution

Project and program management

Stakeholder engagement and relationship management

Budget planning and financial oversight

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Collaboration and influence across diverse teams

Problem-solving and decision-making

Innovation mindset and continuous improvement orientation

Success Metrics

Success in this role will be measured through:

Growth and retention of strategic industry partnerships.

Quality and successful delivery of educational initiatives.

Learner and participant satisfaction.

Employer engagement and repeat collaborations.

Achievement of program KPIs and strategic objectives.

Budget performance and operational efficiency.

Contribution to innovation in the School's educational offerings.

Unleash your full potential and make an impact. The next move is yours!

If you want to be part of this educational revolution, we invite you to apply and be part of our dynamic team at IE University.

At IE University, we actively promote equal opportunities in recruitment processes and access to employment, always ensuring the absence of gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ethnic origin, or disability bias throughout the entire selection process.