Aspire - Manager, External Communications

Advanced Technology Research Council; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Abu Dhabi is seeking an External Communications Senior Specialist/Manager to enhance communication strategies and foster collaborations. Ideal candidates should have 4-6 years in communications, strong media relations skills, and a degree in marketing or communications. Proficiency in English and Arabic is preferred. This role involves content creation, media relations, and strategic planning to support key projects.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of combined experience in communications and public relations.
• Experience in a semi-government entity with proven communication campaign execution.
• Knowledge of industry trends and best practices in communications and marketing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market research to identify audience preferences and trends.
• Create and curate engaging content across various platforms.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets and stakeholders.
• Support crisis communication plans and internal reporting.

Skills

Strong English language writing skills

Good media relations skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational and project management abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field

Tools

Digital marketing tools

Social media platforms

Job description

Job Description

ASPIRE is seeking a skilled External Communications Senior Specialist/ Manager to join the team in Abu Dhabi. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting its international partnership framework with the goal of enhancing Abu Dhabi's positioning as a global R&D hub, while fostering meaningful collaborations with leading entities locally and globally. Your focus will be on supporting the ASPIRE team for developing and implementing effective communication strategies to enhance our various Grand Challenges such as Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Competition and other R&D and tech related initiatives and key projects. You will be expected to engage our stakeholders, work seamlessly with our agencies and support the efforts of the wider Marketing and Communications department. As a key reviewer of content for ASPIRE and Shared Services, strong English language writing skills are essential for creating and guiding compelling content across various platforms. Strong Arabic language skills would be a bonus. You will serve as a critical point of contact for Shared Services communication needs and will support wider engagement across the department as needed.

Strategic Communication Planning

• Conduct market research and analysis to identify target audience preferences, industry trends, and competitor activities.
• Leverage the wider department and agencies to deliver a robust strategy and execution plan for each of ASPIRE’s campaigns and initiatives.

Content Development & Content Review

• Create and curate engaging and informative content across various platforms, including press releases, articles, blogs, website, social media, and marketing collateral.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to develop content that aligns with brand voice, key messages, and target audience.

Media Relations and Public Relations

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and key stakeholders to promote positive coverage and enhance brand visibility.
• Proactively pitch stories and secure media opportunities to position ASPIRE as a thought leader in the industry.
• Monitor media coverage, social media trends, and public sentiment to identify potential issues or opportunities and develop appropriate responses.

Crisis Communication

• Support the Senior Management with crisis communication plans and protocols to effectively respond to potential crises or reputation issues.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage during crises.

Internal Reporting

• Support with weekly internal reporting into the Head of the Department/ Senior Comms Manager.
• Help prepare internal briefing documents for the leadership team.

Other

• Build and foster relationships across business functions to understand requirements and ensure ASPIRE employees are engaged and informed.
• Participate in any group-wide campaigns by the Marketing & Communications team.

Job Specification

• Experience working in a semi-government entity, with a track record of successfully executing communication campaigns.
• Additional experience working in a Communications agency would be preferred.
• Good English language writing skills, with the ability to create engaging and persuasive content across various platforms. Strong Arabic language skills would be a bonus.
• Good media relations skills and experience in managing press relations and securing media coverage.
• Proficiency in utilizing digital marketing tools and social media platforms for effective communication and brand promotion.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in communications and marketing.
• 4- 6 years of combined experience in communications and public relations
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.