Head of Corporate Communications Section

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority seeks a senior Corporate Communications lead to capably shape policy, guide institutional identity, and coordinate media, events, and partnerships. You will oversee three streams, drive annual planning and ensure consistency across communications, digital channels, and stakeholder engagement.

Strategic leadership, UAE government experience, and ability to deliver integrated communications are essential to advancing the Authority's public image and governance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Media, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Communication, Media, Public Relations, Marketing, or related discipline is preferred.
• Professional certification in communication, public relations, or marketing is preferred.
• Experience in a UAE government or regulatory entity is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and development of policy and guides related to Dubai Government Communication Guide.
• Direct annual plans for events, media, communication and marketing to strengthen the Authority's image.
• Oversee media relations, press interviews, and speeches for spokespersons.
• Direct management of conferences, campaigns and national identity initiatives.
• Activate and review partnership relations policy and system management.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Public relations

Media relations

Strategic planning

Governance compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communication, Media, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field

Master's degree in Communication, Media, Public Relations, Marketing, or related discipline is preferred

Job description

Role Purpose:

To lead and manage DCAA's Corporate Communication Section by overseeing the development and implementation of an integrated institutional communication system aligned with the Dubai Government Communication Guide. The role ensures the effective planning and execution of communication, media, events, marketing, and partnership activities, while strengthening DCAA's institutional identity, public image, and stakeholder relationships across all channels. It also provides strategic communication insights and performance reporting to the Director of Strategy and Governance, and oversees the three specialised streams to ensure alignment, quality, and consistency of all outputs.

Key Responsibilities/Duties:

1. Government Communication Policy & Institutional Communication System

Lead the preparation and development of policies and guides related to activating the Dubai Government Communication Guide across all its dimensions – responsibilities, tasks, public image, internal and external communication, electronic communication, and media communication – ensuring a comprehensive and integrated institutional communication system is built and maintained within DCAA. Oversee the activation and continuous review of communication and publication policies and procedures, promote the use of the Arabic language and institutional identity across all communications, and monitor outcomes and improve outputs.

2. Annual Communication, Media, Events & Marketing Planning

Direct the preparation, organisation, and implementation of DCAA's annual plans for events, media, communication, and marketing to strengthen the Authority's positive institutional image. Oversee the preparation of reports on plan results, impact measurement, and improvement and development recommendations, ensuring all streams contribute coordinated inputs to the annual planning cycle.

3. Media Coverage, Press Interviews & Official Spokesperson Support

Direct the organisation of press interviews for the Director General and DCAA's official spokespersons, oversee the preparation of speeches for official spokespersons, and supervise, edit, and translate media coverage plans and all media engagements across all media platforms. Oversee the publication of news reports, interviews, and media information in written, visual, audio formats related to DCAA's activities and work.

4. Conferences, Seminars, Exhibitions, Campaigns & National Identity

Direct the management and organisation of DCAA's conferences, seminars, exhibitions, campaigns, and initiatives, strengthening national and institutional identity through them. Coordinate with relevant organisational units on their requirements based on operational plans and ensure all events reflect DCAA's institutional positioning and approved identity standards.

5. Partnership Relations Policy & System Management

Activate, implement, and review DCAA's partnership relations management policy and guide, ensuring the partnership management system is maintained, efficient, effective, and continuously improved. Oversee the development and enhancement of relationships with strategic partners and local and international media through joint initiatives, periodic communication, and coordination with relevant organisational units.

6. Strategic Partner & Media Relations Development

Direct the development and strengthening of relationships with strategic partners and local and international media through joint initiatives and periodic engagement, in coordination with relevant organisational units. Oversee the development, analysis, and review of partner opinion surveys, and provide recommendations based on findings.

7. Digital Communication, Website & Social Media Oversight

Oversee the content of DCAA's official websites and approved social media platforms in coordination with relevant organisational units, directing the review and updating of content. Direct the management, creation, and monitoring of digital and media marketing campaigns for DCAA's initiatives, projects, and services to strengthen the Authority's approved institutional identity.

8. Marketing Materials, Publications & Electronic Magazine

Direct the management, design, production, and approval of all DCAA marketing materials in visual, written, audio formats, gifts, and certificates issued by the Authority. Oversee and coordinate the preparation of DCAA's institutional electronic magazine, ensuring content is current, aligned with institutional identity standards, and published on schedule.

9. Media Archive Management

Oversee the establishment and management of DCAA's institutional media archive, directing the collection, preservation, classification, and documentation of all archive materials, photographs, and film materials related to the Authority and its organisational units.

10. Section Administration & Operational Planning

Prepare and implement the section's operational plan in accordance with DCAA's strategic planning guide, maintain work manuals and procedures for all three streams, and ensure section database inputs are accurate and current. Lead and oversee the performance and alignment of the three communication streams, ensuring delivery of all section activities in accordance with approved plans and institutional standards.

11. Other Duties

Performs other tasks assigned by the Director of Strategy and Governance that are consistent with the section's mandate and operational responsibilities.

B. Managerial:

1. Section Strategy and Planning

Lead development and execution of the section's operational plan, ensuring alignment with sector priorities, governance frameworks, and performance expectations.

2. People Leadership and Capability Development

Lead, coach, and develop office staff, setting clear performance expectations, promoting accountability, and supporting capability development in coordination with HR and sector leadership.

3. Performance and Quality Discipline

Ensure structured performance monitoring, reporting accuracy, and adherence to quality assurance and governance standards across all office activities.

4. Resource and Budget Coordination

Coordinate preparation and follow-up of office-related resource and budget requirements in alignment with sector priorities and institutional financial governance processes.

5. Stakeholder and Cross-Unit Coordination

Maintain structured working relationships with sector directors, department heads, and internal governance functions to ensure integration, alignment, and reliable execution of sector governance requirements.

6. Governance Culture and Continuous Improvement

Promote a culture of governance discipline, documentation integrity, process consistency, and continuous improvement across office operations and sector coordination activities.

Academic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communication, Media, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field from a recognised university
• Master's degree in Communication, Media, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related discipline is preferred

Certifications:

• Professional certification in communication, public relations, or marketing (e.g. CIPR, PRCA, CIM, or equivalent) — preferred
• UAE Government Communication Guide certification or equivalent — preferred

Project or programme management certification — preferred

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 14 years of progressive experience in institutional communication, media relations, marketing, or public affairs with a Bachelor's degree; or 12 years with a Master's degree
• Minimum 4 years in a senior managerial or leadership role with demonstrated responsibility for leading communication or media teams
• Proven experience in developing and implementing comprehensive institutional communication strategies within a UAE government or regulatory entity
• Demonstrated experience in media relations management, events management, digital communication, and marketing materials production
• Familiarity with the Dubai Government Communication Guide and UAE government communication standards is strongly preferred
• Experience working within a UAE government entity or regulatory authority is essential