Senior Manager, Media Relations and Communications

Position Summary

Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint a Senior Manager, Media Relations and Communications reporting to Associate Director, Media Relations and Communications.

The Senior Manager plays an essential role in increasing the visibility of NYUAD to local and international constituencies through targeted, strategic communications activities. This position is responsible for representing NYUAD’s internal and external communications through interaction with faculty, staff, media and other stakeholders.

The Senior Manager will assist in the development and implementation of comprehensive, multidisciplinary communications programs. Work with the External Relations and Communications team on all aspects of campaign development including content development, design, digital strategy, and more. Act as a primary press liaison through the provision of information and promotion of the university and its programs. Build and maintain affiliations with external stakeholders and media outlets to ensure effective relationships are developed with key personnel and organizations, both nationally and internationally. Generate media coverage on other university-related events, including student events and activities. Support the Associate Director of Media Relations and Communications in the advancement of NYUAD’s overall communications strategy. Work with the content and digital team on identifying and managing content production across different communications platforms.

The Senior Manager is also responsible for internal and external communications including producing content and copyediting of reports, publications, press releases, and media announcements, ensuring effective delivery of information to appropriate sources. Produce reports and presentations as required, tracking major NYUAD highlights for key audiences, continually reviewing tracking methods and presenting activity information to ensure best practice is maintained.

Work with the Graphic Designer on marketing and collateral development on print and multimedia channels, and reviewing promotional materials produced by departments across the University. Analyze, recommend, and implement changes and improvements to communications and strategies. Use metrics to assess and report on the success of campaigns and provide recommendations for improvements and adjustments.

He/She will provide strategic communications counsel and assist in the development of communications materials for University leadership. Ensure integration of various communications channels and tactics for the outcomes of the most effective and efficient communication. Collaborate closely with our government partner, to support reporting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic communications goals and providing data-driven insights for continuous improvement. He/She will assist with crisis communication.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the generation of faculty/research/student-related press coverage and pursue proactive relationship building with media
• Close management of PR firms both locally and internationally, as well as any freelance writers
• Produce monthly update reports and other data reporting requirements, and working closely with government partner
• Supporting marketing, visual design and social media requirements

Qualifications

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, English Literature, Journalism, Creative Writing, or a related field

Preferred Education:

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field

Required Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in politically sensitive and high-pressure environments
• Demonstrated ability to build and motivate teams, and work effectively in a team in a lead or support role
• Communicating effectively, assertively, and diplomatically in high-stakes settings
• Leading and collaborating with various teams, drafting messaging, and disseminating accurate information in a timely fashion
• Converting complex subjects into easy-to-understand communications for the general public
• Collaborating, interacting, and communicating clearly and calmly with colleagues in a fast-paced setting
• Demonstrated creativity, innovation, and strategic agility in communications planning and execution
• Strong command of media relations practices, including pitching, briefing, and managing journalist relationships at local, regional, and international levels
• Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, and storytelling for diverse audiences and platforms
• Ability to translate complex academic, scientific, and policy issues into clear, accessible communications
• Skilled in crisis communications, including drafting rapid responses and advising senior leadership under pressure
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in fast-paced, high-stakes environments
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with ability to work effectively across diverse teams
• High level of discretion, sound judgment, and political sensitivity in handling confidential or sensitive information
• Competence in using professional presentation tools and producing executive-level communication materials

Preferred Experience:

• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or equivalent professional certification
• Training or certification in crisis communications, media relations, or digital communications strategy
• Exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills across diverse teams
• Demonstrated creativity and ability to develop innovative communications campaigns
• Experience serving as or preparing others to serve as effective media spokespersons
• Advanced proficiency in media monitoring, analytics, and measurement tools
• Familiarity with higher education, research communications, or large international organizations
• Fluency in Arabic is highly desirable
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines
• Familiarity with Middle East media landscape and cultural contex
• Ability to provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on communications and reputation management

Additional Information

NYU Abu Dhabi is a degree-granting research university with a fully integrated liberal arts and science undergraduate program in the Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Engineering. NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU New York, and NYU Shanghai, form the backbone of NYU’s global network university, an interconnected network of portal campuses and academic centers across six continents that enable seamless international mobility of students and faculty in their pursuit of academic and scholarly activity. This global university represents a transformative shift in higher education, one in which the intellectual and creative endeavors of academia are shaped and examined through an international and multicultural perspective. As a major intellectual hub at the crossroads of the Arab world, NYUAD serves as a center for scholarly thought, advanced research, knowledge creation, and sharing, through its academic, research, and creative activities.