Challenge & Innovation Lead

We are looking for a strategic Challenge & Innovation Lead to architect the intellectual core of our upcoming hackathons. In this role, you will bridge the gap between our partners’ real-world problems and the creative potential of participants. You will not just "run" an event; you will design the tracks, define the problem statements, and set the criteria that drive genuine innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with stakeholders and sponsors to identify their core business or sector challenges.

Translate complex problems into clear, solvable, and engaging "Hackathon Tracks" or problem statements.

Ensure challenges are feasible within the hackathon timeframe (e.g., 48-72 hours) while remaining impactful.

Implement innovation methodologies (such as Design Thinking, Lean Startup, or Agile) to guide participants during the event.

Create the "Participant Guidebook" that explains the tracks, resources, and expected output formats.

Design the Judging Rubric (scoring criteria) to ensure fairness and focus on viability, feasibility, and desirability.

Brief and train mentors / judges on the specific challenges to ensure they provide relevant guidance to teams.

Review submitted ideas during the initial filtration phase to ensure they align with the track requirements.

Facilitate "Checkpoint Sessions" during the hackathon to pivot teams that are off-track.

Key Deliverables (What you will submit)

Challenge Brief Document : Detailed description of tracks, data sets provided, and problem context.

Mentor Briefing Deck : A guide for mentors on how to support teams in each specific track.

Qualifications & Requirements

Experience : Proven experience in Innovation Management, Product Management, or organizing Hackathons / Innovation Challenges.

Skills : Strong grasp of Design Thinking and Problem-Solving frameworks.

Mindset : Ability to simplify complex technical or business problems for diverse audiences (developers, designers, business students).

Communication : Excellent command of English to articulate challenges clearly.

Background : Experience in Tech, Business Analysis, or Startups is highly preferred.

Why Join Madark? Be part of a certified Business Incubator (Plus) leading the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Asir region.

Work with high-profile partners and visionary entrepreneurs.

Opportunity to shape the outcome of scalable startups, not just temporary projects.

Seniority level Mid‑Senior level

Employment type Full-time

Job function Product Management and Marketing

Industries IT Services and IT Consulting

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