Director of Communications

Hamad Bin Khalifa University; Doha; On-site; QAR 300,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamad Bin Khalifa University is seeking a Senior Communications Director to lead HBKU's branding, media relations and communications strategy across Education City. You will oversee multi-channel outreach, coordinate with senior management and Qatar Foundation, act as spokesperson, manage publications, events and public appearances to strengthen HBKU's reputation.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's in communications or PR, 8+ years in the field with 5 in senior management, and strong writing

Qualifications

• Master's degree and 8+ years of experience, with 5+ years in a senior management role.
• Strong writing, negotiation, and planning skills; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all communications materials.
• Oversee brand voice and maintain brand integrity across platforms.
• Manage media relations and act as HBKU spokesperson for President and stakeholders.
• Lead multi-channel communications strategy and guidelines for HBKU entities.
• Advise the President on communications strategies and coordination of initiatives.
• Coordinate with senior management and Qatar Foundation on work plans and objectives.

Skills

Brand management

Media relations

Strategic communications

Public speaking

Written communications

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in comm./PR

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all communications materials


• Oversee brand voice and maintain brand integrity across all platforms


• Monitor media relations and establish contacts with media members staff students and community


• Lead and manage the perception and integrity of HBKU brand to preserve the organization s reputation and profile


• Establish and drive a multi-channel communications strategy


• Create and articulate the organizational communication strategy and guidelines for HBKU entities and external parties such as partner universities within Education City


• Prepare long‑term communication and PR strategies aligned with HBKU s objectives


• Coordinate with HBKU Senior Management to ensure consistent outreach and PR strategies are in place and that all business objectives and the supporting implementation plans are discussed coordinated reviewed agreed and communicated in a standardized manner across HBKU s entities


• Provide expert advice to the President on communication strategies and coordination of communication initiatives including branding events and overall messaging


• Oversee organizational publications for internal and external audiences including employee newsletters and stakeholders reports


• Respond to requests for information from the media and act as the designated spokesperson or information source for the President


• Plan and direct development and communication of informational programs to maintain favorable public perceptions of HBKU s achievements


• Plan innovative marketing strategies and materials that promote HBKU Forward-facing representation of HBKU when relevant


• Lead and arrange public appearances lectures contests and exhibitions for HBKU to promote the University as a leading organization and to increase public awareness


• Study the objectives promotional policies and needs of the division to assist in the development of public relations strategies that will influence public opinion and promote all the ideas and initiatives of the division


• Discuss communication aspects business and implementation plans with the supervisor


• Give work instructions and guidance to communications staff and contact as needed to exchange information and collaborate on projects


• Update the divisional senior management on implementing the communication strategies


• Coordinate with Qatar Foundation s PR and Marketing on work plans and objectives


• Exchange views and share experience on matters of common interest with Comparable organizations media and government entities


• Other reasonable tasks as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

• Master's degree in communication or PR related field. 8 years of relevant experience, with 5 years in a senior management role, preferably in front-line PR at a higher education institute. Sound knowledge of Qatar's rules and regulations with respect to formalities. Outstanding negotiating and persuasive skills Outstanding planning and organizing skills Outstanding writing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of written reports and communications and to articulate ideas clearly and concisely; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.

Competencies

• Expert Behavioural Competencies with the ability to collaborate and build trust, demonstrate integrity and excellence, lead and inspire, pioneer disruptive innovation, and seek knowledge and advancement.


• Expert Functional Competencies with strong subject matter knowledge.


• Expert Cross-Functional Competencies with the ability to provide advising and consulting, act as a business strategist, apply critical thinking and problem-solving, demonstrate financial acumen, manage governance, risk and control, and manage partnerships and outreach.


• Proficiency in MS Office applications.