Director of Business Development

We are looking for a Director of Business Development to lead business growth, client acquisition, strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and market development initiatives while promoting AIFC opportunities locally and internationally. The successful candidate will drive the growth of the AIFC ecosystem through investor attraction, business development, relationship management, and high-impact engagement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the business development, partnership, stakeholder engagement, and market expansion strategy aligned with AIFC's strategic objectives.
• Identify growth opportunities, target client segments, priority industries, and key markets to support the expansion of the AIFC ecosystem.
• Lead the identification, engagement, and conversion of prospective investors, financial institutions, corporate clients, professional service providers, and other organizations interested in establishing or expanding their presence within AIFC.
• Oversee business development activities, lead generation, pipeline management, and conversion efforts to support participant growth and ecosystem expansion.
• Promote AIFC products, services, and opportunities, identifying cross-selling opportunities and areas for sustainable ecosystem development.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with the AIFC business community, investors, financial institutions, government entities, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and other key stakeholders.
• Represent AIFC at local and international forums, conferences, seminars, roundtables, roadshows, and business events to strengthen AIFC's market positioning and visibility.
• Lead the planning and delivery of AIFC Connect sessions and other business engagement initiatives to support stakeholder outreach and relationship development.
• Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with intermediary organizations, consultants, legal firms, accounting firms, ASPs, and other professional service providers to facilitate business attraction and ecosystem growth.
• Oversee regional business development and stakeholder engagement activities through the Almaty Office and other priority markets.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments, providing strategic recommendations to senior management on business development priorities and growth opportunities.
• Lead, develop, and manage the department, including strategic planning, budgeting, performance monitoring, talent development, and resource allocation.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Marketing, International Relations, or a related field; Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in business development, investment promotion, strategic partnerships, client relationship management, stakeholder engagement, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing teams and delivering business growth initiatives.
• Proven track record of attracting clients, investors, strategic partners, or business opportunities.
• Strong network within financial services, investment, professional services, government, or business communities.
• Strong commercial acumen and demonstrated ability to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Experience representing organizations at senior-level business, investment, or industry events.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Russian and Kazakh is an advantage.

Success Measures:

• Growth in the number and quality of AIFC participants, investors, and strategic partners.
• Achievement of business development, market expansion, and partnership targets.
• Number and impact of strategic partnerships and collaboration agreements established.
• Successful conversion of qualified opportunities into registered participants and business relationships.
• Increased visibility, market awareness, and promotion of AIFC opportunities in priority markets.
• Growth of the AIFC ecosystem through new business opportunities, stakeholder engagement, and strategic collaborations.
• High stakeholder satisfaction and engagement outcomes.