Director of Communications

HBKU seeks applications for the position of Director of Communications. The applicant will be responsible for raising HBKU's profile locally, regionally and internationally, as well as preparing and implementing a communications strategy to ensure that the messages to all stakeholders are clear, consistent and fit- for-purpose. Work is performed in a standard office environment; the majority of work is carried out in a multicultural, multinational office environment

Job Role Description

• 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.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• 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.
• 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.

How to Apply

To apply, please follow this link

Additional documents may be solicited from short-listed candidates.

Deadline

Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Remuneration

HBKU offers an attractive compensation package that includes a tax-free salary and additional benefits such as an accommodation allowance, annual paid leave, and medical insurance.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University is an equal opportunity educator and employer. We are committed to maintaining a culturally and academically diverse staff of the highest caliber.