Managing Director Syria

The Managing Director – Syria is the Council’s senior representative inside Syria, responsible for leading local program operations, business engagement, strategic partnerships, and on-the-ground coordination that advances lawful and ethical U.S.–Syria economic ties.

This role requires a highly trusted, bilingual leader who understands the regulatory landscape, diplomatic sensitivities, and commercial potential within Syria—and who can translate U.S.-based strategy into impactful, compliant, and credible execution on the ground.

As the Council’s primary host and liaison for visiting delegations, government ministers, business leaders, and institutional partners in Syria, the Managing Director will spearhead welcoming events, formal meetings, working dinners, site visits, and business tours. This position requires a strong public presence, impeccable hosting ability, and the flexibility to work outside traditional hours to accommodate high-level engagements and evolving priorities.

The Managing Director – Syria will work closely with the Executive Director – U.S. to align operations, advance regional objectives, and maintain the organization’s credibility and neutrality.

Key Responsibilies

Local Leadership & Strategic Execution
  • Represent USSBC in all in-country activities, partner meetings, and relevant public engagements in Syria
  • Implement programs, initiatives, or member support activities designed in coordination with the U.S. office
  • Monitor Syria’s business and investment environment to identify suitable opportunities for engagement or support
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Stakeholder & Partner Engagement
  • Build relationships with Syrian business leaders, chambers of commerce and industry, relevant local institutions, and regional partners and investors

 

  • Serve as the local Syria-based point of contact for members, U.S.-based partners, and regional counterparts

 

  • Coordinate with NGOs, local associations, and commercial actors on events or shared initiatives

 

  • Facilitate meetings and interactions with Syrian government and private sector stakeholders for members.
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Operational Management
  • Oversee staff, contractors, and consultants in Syria

 

  • Ensure local compliance with any Syrian regulations or NGO/business operation requirements (as applicable)

 

  • Provide regular reports to the Managing Director – U.S. on Syria’s business environment, investment opportunities, and business and policy developments. 
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Compliance & Legal Coordination
  • Monitor and provide initial analysis of Syrian regulations and policy developments and provide updates as appropriate to the Executive Director. 

 

  • Cooperate with U.S. office and third parties and assist in information-gathering, KYC due diligence, and risk analysis to help ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with U.S. law (e.g., OFAC) and Syrian regulations

 

  • Maintain systems to screen partners, monitor reputational risk, and support program audits or reviews
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Personal Attributes
  • Neutral, nonpartisan, and culturally sensitive

 

  • Strategic thinker with the ability to implement through operational complexity

 

  • Respected reputation among Syrian business and NGO networks

 

  • Self-starter with entrepreneurial energy and diplomatic tact

 

  • Able to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven setting with a flexible schedule

 

  • Ability to travel across borders, and especially to the United States and Europe, easily. U.S. citizenship or permanent residence, or EU or UAE citizenship strongly preferred.
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Communication & Reporting
  • Draft briefing memos, progress updates, and stakeholder reports as requested
  • Translate key documents (Arabic-English) as needed
  • Coordinate with U.S. team on communications strategy and regional media positioning
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Preferred Experience
  • Previous work with diaspora organizations, business councils, U.S. implementers, or multilateral donors

 

  • Familiarity with U.S. foreign policy, sanctions compliance, and conflict-sensitive programming principles

 

  • Background in project development, economic revitalization, or socially responsible trade

 

  • Comfort operating in dynamic or high-pressure environments with diplomatic awareness
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Location & Travel

This position is based in Damascus, Syria. Travel will be required within Syria and occasionally to neighboring countries or Europe, pending safety and legal clearance. At minimum, quarterly travel to the U.S. is required.

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Required Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in international relations, business, law, public policy, economics, or related field

 

  • Fluency in Arabic and English (spoken and written) is mandatory

 

  • At least 8 years of senior-level experience in international development, commercial consulting, public policy, international development, trade facilitation, or NGO leadership in Syria or the region

 

  • Proven ability to work across sectors and build consensus among business, civil society, and international actors

 

  • High integrity and discretion in dealing with politically and socially sensitive environments

 

  • Familiarity with U.S. foreign policy, sanctions compliance, and conflict-sensitive programming principles

 

  • Demonstrated experience in hosting, organizing, or managing high-level meetings and formal events.

 

  • Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the presence to host U.S. and Syrian leadership figures.
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Join Our Team

To Apply

We’re excited to connect with passionate, talented individuals. To apply, please send your resume or CV to careers@ussyriabc.org with the position title in the subject line. We look forward to learning more about you—thank you for considering a role with the U.S.–Syria Business Council.

E-mail careers@ussyriabc.org