Programs Manager – Cultural Programming

Job PurposeTo lead the planning, curation, and execution of MiZa’s cultural programming and experiential activations, creating a vibrant and engaging neighbourhood identity that connects businesses, residents, creatives, and visitors through meaningful cultural experiences and community engagement initiatives.Roles, Responsibilities, Duties

• Lead the development and execution of MiZa’s year-round cultural programming calendar, ensuring a diverse and engaging schedule of events and activations aligned with MiZa’s vision and identity.
• Curate and produce cultural experiences across music, food, arts, entertainment, retail activations, festivals, and community celebrations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with artists, performers, chefs, creative entrepreneurs, cultural institutions, vendors, and community stakeholders to deliver distinctive programming.
• Manage the full event lifecycle including concept development, planning, production, logistics, permits, vendor coordination, execution, and post-event evaluation.
• Drive community engagement by developing programmes that encourage participation from tenants, residents, and the wider Abu Dhabi community.
• Oversee budgets, sponsorship opportunities, contracts, and operational delivery to ensure efficient and high-quality programme execution.
• Monitor programme effectiveness through audience feedback, attendance metrics, community sentiment, and operational evaluations to continuously improve future activations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure all cultural activations support MiZa’s placemaking and community-building objectives.QualificationBachelor’s degree in Arts Management, Cultural Studies, Event Management, Marketing, Hospitality, Communications, or related field.Experience and Competencies
• 6–8 years of experience in cultural programming, placemaking, events management, or creative industries.
• Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end event production and cultural activations.
• Experience working with artists, performers, vendors, cultural organisations, and community stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously within dynamic environments.
• UAE or regional cultural ecosystem experience is highly preferred.