Nizmara is a trusted executive search and talent acquisition partner serving organizations across Turkey, the Middle East, and Europe. We combine deep sector expertise with real business experience to deliver high-impact recruitment solutions for leadership and mission-critical roles.
Our consultants bring senior-level industry backgrounds and a consultative mindset, enabling us to understand both the strategic and operational priorities of our clients. This allows us to go beyond traditional recruitment and act as true advisors throughout the talent acquisition journey.
We specialize in key sectors including Technology, Financial Services, Banking & Insurance, Healthcare & Life Sciences, E-commerce & Retail, Construction, Engineering, and Manufacturing. Through tailored search strategies, strong networks, and a results-driven approach, we connect exceptional talent with forward-thinking organizations to drive sustainable business success.
The Role
Our client is one of Turkey's leading holding groups. The company has established a globally oriented awards, academy, and events platform dedicated to architecture, design, culture, and the creative industries — and is now seeking a Director to lead its strategic coordination and growth
Role Overview
The Director will assume full strategic and operational accountability for the platform — an integrated ecosystem encompassing an international awards programme, an academy structure, workshops, publications, summit events, community management, and ancillary activations. This is a senior cross-functional leadership role with direct exposure to the Board and C-suite.
Key Responsibilities
- Platform strategy & integration. Ensure seamless operational alignment across all platform pillars — awards, academy, workshops, publications, summits, and community — and oversee the governance structures required to sustain national and international growth.
- International awards management. Lead all aspects of the awards programme — entry process, category design, evaluation methodology, jury management, calendar, and ceremony — in line with international best practices.
- Stakeholder & governance relations. Manage relationships with the Steering Committee, Advisory Board, jury members, universities, sponsors, creative teams, communication agencies, and strategic partners; coordinate decision-making and governance processes.
- Thought leadership & content. Develop the intellectual and editorial framework of the platform through panels, forums, publications, and content partnerships across architecture, urbanism, design, and the creative industries.
- Academic & institutional partnerships. Build and manage strategic collaborations with universities, cultural foundations, biennials, design organisations, and international networks; coordinate the academy and emerging talent programmes.
- Sponsorship & business development. Lead sponsorship, brand partnership, and corporate collaboration efforts; contribute to the design of sustainable revenue models that underpin the platform's long-term viability.
- Brand, communications & visibility. Coordinate global brand positioning, PR, media relations, digital communications, social media, editorial publishing, and launch activities to strengthen the platform's international presence and brand equity.
- Events & operational planning. Oversee end-to-end planning for exhibitions, awards ceremonies, networking events, summits, and private gatherings — including budgeting, resourcing, scheduling, contracting, and delivery.
- Performance, risk & reporting. Establish performance, budget, risk, stakeholder, and project management frameworks across all operational workstreams; provide regular reporting to the Board of Directors and senior leadership.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Architecture or design background, non-negotiable. The successful candidate will hold a foundational grounding in architecture, design, or a closely related discipline — whether through formal education, professional practice, or a sustained career in the sector.
- 10–15 years of relevant experience. A track record spanning platform management, cultural institution leadership, awards programmes, or multi-stakeholder project coordination at a senior level.
- Strong international network. Existing relationships within the global architecture and design community — including European academic and professional circles — and the credibility to represent the platform internationally. Comfort with frequent international travel is essential.
- Familiarity with leading sector platforms. Exposure to internationally recognised architecture and design events — such as the Istanbul Biennial or comparable programmes — demonstrates the standard of platform the candidate is expected to operate within and grow.
- Comfortable working at C-level and board level. This role interfaces directly with the Foundation Board, Steering Committee, jury members, and senior leadership. The candidate must be a credible, confident presence in high-stakes governance and decision-making environments.
- Exceptional communication skills. Able to represent the platform compellingly across diverse audiences — academic, institutional, corporate, and media — in both Turkish and English.