Senior Manager, Media Relations & Communications

About the role

The Senior Manager, Media Relations and Communications will raise NYU Abu Dhabi’s visibility locally and internationally through strategic communications. Reporting to the Associate Director, the role blends internal and external messaging, media liaison, and crisis communication responsibilities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead generation of faculty, research and student press coverage and cultivate proactive media relationships.
• Manage relationships with local and international PR firms and freelance writers.
• Produce monthly update reports and data‑driven insights, collaborating closely with the university’s government partner.
• Support marketing, visual design and social‑media initiatives, working with the graphic designer on collateral.
• Develop and implement multidisciplinary communications programs, including content creation, digital strategy and campaign execution.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leadership and assist with crisis communication.

Required profile

• Proven ability to operate in politically sensitive, high‑pressure environments.
• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills for diverse audiences.
• Strong media‑relations expertise, including pitching, briefing and journalist management.
• Demonstrated leadership, team motivation and cross‑cultural communication abilities.
• High discretion, sound judgment and political sensitivity when handling confidential information.

Required skills

• Advanced proficiency with media monitoring, analytics and measurement tools.
• Competence in professional presentation software for executive‑level materials.
• Experience designing and executing digital communication strategies across platforms.