Senior PR & Content Specialist

University of the arts sharjah; Sharjah; On-site; AED 257,000 - 402,000; Full time

Job summary

University of the Arts Sharjah is seeking a Senior PR & Content Specialist to lead media relations and institutional communications across UAS, APA, and AVA. You will serve as the lead writer and copy-editor in English and Arabic, shaping stories about students, faculty, performances, and exhibitions with accuracy and brand-consistency.

You will run the day-to-day press office, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and manage external agencies as needed to amplify the University's profile

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies, English or Arabic.
• At least 6 years experience in public relations, media relations, journalism or corporate communications including senior-level press office work.
• Fluency in English and Arabic with proven writing and editing in both languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an annual PR plan to raise visibility of UAS, APA and AVA locally, regionally and internationally.
• Build and maintain relationships with UAE, GCC and international media including Arabic outlets.
• Identify newsworthy stories and pitch them proactively to media.
• Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, statements and media kits.
• Coordinate interviews, press visits and media attendance at performances, exhibitions and conferences.
• Manage media inquiries and crisis communications when required.
• Monitor coverage and prepare monthly media reports.
• Brief and manage external PR agencies to ensure alignment with in-house efforts.
• Draft speeches, talking points, and executive messages for senior leadership.
• Prepare communications plans for priorities, partnerships and campaigns.
• Support internal communications to faculty, staff and students.

Skills

Excellent writing and editing

Bilingual English & Arabic

Media relations network UAE

Crisis communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications / Journalism / PR

Tools

SEO knowledge

Job description

Department

Marketing and Communications

Reports To

Marketing and Communications Manager

Employment Type

Full time permanent

Start Date

Immediately

Location

University of the Arts Sharjah UAS Sharjah UAE

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior PR & Content Specialist leads the University’s media relations and institutional communications and serves as the department’s lead content writer and copy-editor in English and Arabic. The role covers the University of the Arts Sharjah and its two academies the Academy of Performing Arts (APA) and the Academy of Visual Arts (AVA). The successful candidate will run the day-to-day press office, shape the stories the University tells about its students, faculty, performances and exhibitions and make sure everything the University publishes is accurate, consistent and on-brand in both languages.

Responsibilities

Media Relations & Press Office

• Develop and deliver an annual PR plan that builds the visibility and reputation of UAS, APA and AVA locally, regionally and internationally.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with UAE, GCC and international media including Arabic-language outlets.


• Identify newsworthy stories, achievements and milestones and pitch them proactively to the right media.


• Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, statements and media kits.


• Coordinate interviews, press visits and media attendance at performances exhibitions conferences and graduation.


• Handle media enquiries and support issues and crisis communications when required.


• Monitor coverage across UAS, APA and AVA and prepare monthly media reports.


• Brief and manage the external PR agency where one is retained so that agency activity adds to the in-house press office.

Institutional & Executive Communications

• Draft speeches, talking points, executive messages, announcements and official correspondence for senior leadership.


• Prepare communications plans for institutional priorities, partnerships, events and campaigns.


• Support internal communications to faculty, staff and students.


• Maintain key communication materials, fact sheets and institutional profiles.

Content Writing & Editorial

• Write and edit content for websites, programme pages, brochures, prospectuses, reports, newsletters and campaign materials.


• Write and edit copy in both English and Arabic and adapt content between the two languages while keeping tone and meaning intact.


• Establish and maintain the department's editorial guidelines and tone of voice.


• Review and edit content submitted by academic and administrative departments before publication.


• Brief and quality-check freelance Arabic translation and proofreading where it is used for overflow.

Storytelling & Collaboration

• Interview students, faculty, alumni and partners to develop feature stories and case studies.


• Work closely with the social media, digital, design, photography and video team to turn stories into integrated multi-channel content.


• Support student recruitment campaigns with clear persuasive messaging.

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications Journalism Public Relations Media Studies English Arabic or a related field.


• At least 6 years experience in public relations media relations journalism or corporate communications including senior-level press office work.


• Full professional fluency in English and Arabic with proven writing and editing experience in both languages.


• An established network of media contacts in the UAE and the wider region.


• Experience managing communications through a sensitive issue or crisis.

Desirable

• Experience in higher education arts culture or the creative industries.


• Experience working with UAE government or semi-government communications standards.


• Experience briefing and managing PR agencies.


• Knowledge of SEO and digital content best practice.

Key Performance Indicators

• Volume, quality and tone of earned media coverage across UAS, APA and AVA.


• Share of coverage in tier-one national, regional and Arabic-language media.


• Timely delivery of press materials, communications plans and executive content.


• Accuracy and consistency of published content in English and Arabic.


• Stakeholder satisfaction with communications support.

QUALIFICATIONSEssential Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies, English, Arabic or a related field. At least 6 years' experience in public relations, media relations, journalism or corporate communications, including senior-level press office work. Full professional fluency in English and Arabic, with proven writing and editing experience in both languages. An established network of media contacts in the UAE and the wider region. Experience managing communications through a sensitive issue or crisis. Desirable Experience in higher education, arts, culture or the creative industries. Experience working with UAE government or semi-government communications standards. Experience briefing and managing PR agencies. Knowledge of SEO and digital content best practice.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills in English and Arabic. Sound news judgement and strong storytelling ability. Confident, credible manner with journalists, senior leaders and external partners. High attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to manage several deadlines at once in a fast-paced environment. Discretion with confidential and sensitive information.