Marketing and Communications Specialist

Khalifa University; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier educational institution in Abu Dhabi seeks a Marketing & Communications Specialist to enhance its communication and media presence, create engaging content, and manage social media strategies. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree and possess strong writing and content management skills, contributing to the institution's visibility and impact in research and innovation.

Qualifications

• Strong writing and storytelling skills.
• Experience with digital media and website management.
• Familiarity with academic publishing and research processes.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage content for RIC2D web pages.
• Develop social media plans and engage with audiences.
• Oversee website content and ensure branding consistency.
• Coordinate RIC2D’s participation in events and outreach campaigns.

Skills

Content creation

Social media management

Public relations

Event planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences/engineering or related field

Job description

The Marketing & Communications Specialist is responsible for RIC2D’s communication and media

activities, creating content for the Research Center’s web pages and enhancing the Center’s social

media presence, helping to position RIC2D as a leading hub for driving research, innovation, incubation, commercialization and industry partnerships in the fields of graphene, 2D & advanced materials.

The position holder’s key focus areas include, but not restricted to, digital media (website management and social media), public relations (press releases and interviews), events and engagements (seminars, conferences, and business development activities), taking into consideration operational and logistical planning from conception to implementation. The postholder will ensure all activities align with RIC2D’s and Khalifa University’s protocol and brand standards.

Content Creation & Storytelling

• Create content for RIC2D web pages.
• Regularly update and curate website content to reflect current research, news, and events at RIC2D.
• Write web copy, manage press releases, and oversee visual content (images and videos).
• Develop and deliver clear, engaging scientific and technical content across multiple platforms (articles, blogs, social media, videos, presentations, reports).
• Use storytelling techniques to translate complex engineering and scientific topics into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers to build a repository of success stories, impact cases, and testimonials.
• Lead and support the creation of video content, animations, and infographics to highlight research outcomes, innovations, and impact stories.
• Collaborate and liaise with RIC2D partner researchers and designers to create engaging content such as blog posts, infographics, and video presentations.
• Engage actively with internal and external stakeholders (researchers, industry partners, funding bodies, media) to identify and shape communication opportunities.

Social Media Engagement

• Develop and implement a social media plan across relevant platforms to engage with researchers, industry partners, and the public.
• Promote events via social media posts and respond to inquiries.
• Provide training and guidance on social media with the best practices and strategy to RIC2D members.
• Collect social media data, analyze interactions, and use insights to improve marketing strategies.
• Create and manage content calendars for social media platforms (LinkedIn), increasing engagement with key audiences and stakeholders.

Website Management & Branding

• Manage and regularly update the organization’s website, ensuring high-quality, up-to-date, and well-structured content aligned with branding goals.
• Ensure all branding materials (logos, templates, presentations, brochures) are visually consistent and aligned with institutional identity.
• Ensure all RIC2D communication materials adhere to KU’s corporate branding, messaging, and style guidelines.

Media Monitoring & Reporting

• Actively monitor news and industry publications for potential media coverage opportunities.
• Coordinate and liaise with KU comms team to develop scientific/research-related articles and opeds for distribution to mainstream media and targeted audiences.
• Serve as a gatekeeper to screen articles and press releases through a chain of reviewers before publication.
• Coordinate and liaise with KU’s Marketing and Communications team to leverage their framework and resources.
• Monitor performance metrics (e.g., website traffic, engagement rates) and use analytics to inform content and platform strategy.
• Maintain and update the research projects database, tracking project summaries, achieved outcomes, and societal impact.

Event Planning & Outreach Campaign

• Plan and coordinate RIC2D’s participation in conferences, workshops, and industry events.
• Oversee event logistics, including venue selection, speaker invitations, catering, and registration.
• Facilitate a collaborative process of content gathering and proofreading with RIC2D’s Senior Director, staff, and affiliated faculty.
• Organize and promote events, launches, and outreach campaigns to build visibility and credibility

Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences/engineering or related field.

Familiarity with academic publishing, research processes, and citation standards.