Communications Assistant - Dubai Campus

Heriot-Watt University; Dubai; On-site; USD 20,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University is seeking a Communications Assistant to enhance external and internal communications. Key responsibilities include media outreach, content writing, and event coordination. The ideal candidate will have strong writing skills, a Bachelor's degree, and 3-5 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree minimum.
• 3-5 years of experience required.
• Excellent English copywriting skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the communications strategy and develop media content.
• Draft content in English and assist with media inquiries.
• Coordinate events and manage photo shoots.

Skills

Written Communication

Content Creation

Social Media Management

Research

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Description

Job Posting Title: Communications Assistant

Grade and Salary:Grade 6

FTE and working pattern:Full time

Contract: Open Ended

Organisation Name: MRAC

About our School/Directorate and Team:

The Communications Marketing Student Recruitment and Admissions Group is at the heart of attracting engaging and delivering exceptional student and stakeholder experiences. From award-winning marketing campaigns, global student recruitment activities, and communications that put Heriot-Watt on the global stage, our Group delivers professional services that support the University’s strategic ambitions.

Purpose of Role

The purpose of this role is to assist with all external and internal communications duties as required by the communications manager. The Communications Assistant is responsible for media outreach, extensive content writing, assisting with participation at media events, and distributing content to promote the Heriot-Watt brand and activities. The post holder will support our internal and external communications strategy, write and disseminate publicity material, and coordinate events.

Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support key stakeholders and develop an effective and proactive communications strategy based on target audience and business goals, including social media content creation, internal communications, and media outreach.
• Create media content to support courses and raise awareness under supervision of the communications manager.
• Draft content in English, including opinion pieces, interview briefing documents, articles, expert comments, video scripts, and Q&As requiring translation into Arabic.
• Develop content for English media, including opinion pieces, articles, and Q&As.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of editing and proofreading for newsletters and marketing materials.
• Engage effectively with university stakeholders to identify news opportunities and deliver relevant content.
• Prepare social media posts and liaise with the social media team.
• Maintain relationships with journalists, keep track of industry movements, and manage a media database.
• Coordinate speaking opportunities and seek opportunities to position faculty and management as spokespeople.
• Support video shoots, develop scripts, and ensure quality.
• Monitor industry news and provide insights for communication strategies.
• Assist with research and data collation for media content and internal documents.
• Respond to media inquiries, arrange interviews, and draft materials with managerial approval.
• Maintain records of media coverage.
• Perform administrative and marketing tasks as needed.
• Plan and deliver communication projects.
• Manage photo shoots and finance-related tasks, including invoices and payments.
• Draft court reports and act as cover for the manager during leave.

Education Qualifications & Experience:

Essential

• Bachelor's degree minimum
• Excellent English copywriting skills
• Experience in a similar environment
• Basic computer skills
• 3-5 years of experience
• Ability to work quickly, flexibly, and accurately under pressure
• Research, analyze, and present information effectively
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize
• Proactive and professional approach
• Native-level English speaking and writing skills

Desirable

• Experience in Higher Education
• Internal Communications experience
• Experience with social media platforms

Heriot-Watt University Values

Founded in 1821, Heriot-Watt University is renowned for world-class teaching and research. We are a vibrant, international university with campuses in Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, serving a diverse student body of around 30,000 students worldwide.

Our values—Belong, Collaborate, Inspire, Celebrate—guide our community and approach to work, fostering innovation and leadership.

Application Process

Please submit your application via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system, including a cover letter and an updated CV. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online video interview, followed by an in-person interview at our Dubai campus, including a presentation. The final appointment is contingent upon successful visa and legal formalities.

We are committed to equality and diversity, promoting an inclusive environment where merit is the sole criterion for employment decisions.

The appointment is conditional upon successful completion of all Labour and Immigration formalities, and the start date may be delayed if the employment visa is not in place.