Communications Manager – Events | Doha

Hanson Search; Doha; On-site; QAR 182,000 - 292,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy, Hanson Search, is seeking a Communications Manager to lead media relations for Art Basel’s expansions in Qatar. The role emphasizes strategic visibility and reputation management in a fast-paced environment, focusing on the cultural and art sectors. Candidates should have a strong media background, excellent communication skills, and a passion for contemporary art.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in PR or communications.
• Proven media network with top-tier international press.
• Fluency in English; French or German is advantageous.
• Experience managing complex communication timelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute media relations strategy.
• Manage press campaigns and supervise press releases.
• Serve as spokesperson during key events.
• Build relationships with journalists and cultural media.

Skills

Strong writing

Storytelling

Editing skills

Cultural sensitivity

Diplomatic communication

Job description

Position Overview

The Communications Manager leads Art Basel’s media relations strategy across key markets, ensuring strategic visibility, narrative consistency, and impactful communications for its global shows and initiatives. This role manages proactive outreach, press engagement, and reputation management in collaboration with regional and global teams.

Company Overview

Art Basel is a premier international art fair organization, renowned for showcasing modern and contemporary art from leading galleries and artists worldwide. Established in 1970 in Basel, Switzerland, by gallerists Ernst Beyeler, Trudl Bruckner, and Balz Hilt, Art Basel has grown into a global brand with annual shows in Basel (Switzerland), Miami Beach (USA), Hong Kong, and Paris. Art Basel, together with its parent company MCH, has announced a partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+ to launch a new art fair in Doha, debuting in February 2026. This collaboration aims to bring the Art Basel experience to the MENA region for the first time, with the inaugural Art Basel Qatar at M7 in Doha, showcasing Modern and contemporary art from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond. Qatar Museums, under Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is a key partner, furthering Qatar's reputation as a hub for culture and art. Art Basel Qatar will enhance opportunities for artists, galleries, patrons, and partners to connect and engage with art worldwide. Sustainability is a core focus for Art Basel, emphasizing environmental responsibility and promoting sustainable practices across the art world.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and execute Art Basel’s international media relations strategy, tailored to each show and audience segment.
2. Manage press campaigns and announcements, coordinate press releases, and supervise translations and distributions.
3. Serve as spokesperson or press liaison during key events, managing media inquiries and interviews.
4. Build and maintain relationships with journalists, critics, editors, and cultural media.
5. Collaborate with curators, directors, and content teams to shape media narratives.
6. Coordinate press accreditation and on-site media operations during shows.
7. Monitor global media coverage and prepare post-event reports.
8. Oversee crisis communication and support brand reputation management.

Profile Requirements

1. 5–7 years of experience in PR or communications within the cultural, lifestyle, or media sectors.
2. Proven media network and experience working with top-tier international press.
3. Strong writing, storytelling, and editing skills in English; French or German skills are a plus.
4. Diplomatic, proactive, and confident communicator with high cultural sensitivity.
5. Experience managing complex communication timelines and cross-functional input.
6. Comfortable representing an organization in high-profile, fast-paced environments.
7. Deep interest in contemporary art and its global ecosystem.

If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity interests you, please contact our team with your CV via the form below. Hanson Search is a leading talent advisory and executive search consultancy with offices across the UAE, UK, USA, and Europe. We specialize in roles that drive revenue, reputation, and risk, including Communications, Government Relations, Financial Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Sustainability, Investor Relations, and C-Suite recruitment. Learn more about Hanson Search.

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