Senior PR & Communications Specialist

About the role

The University is seeking a Senior PR & Communications Specialist to lead strategic public relations and communication initiatives that raise its profile locally, regionally, and internationally. The role will shape the university’s brand voice, manage media relations, and support senior leadership in crisis and routine communications.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive PR and communications strategy aligned with institutional goals.
• Proactively engage journalists, secure coverage across print, broadcast, and digital platforms, and manage media outreach.
• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, statements, opinion pieces, feature articles, and speeches for senior leaders.
• Lead crisis communication efforts, acting as the primary contact during sensitive issues.
• Coordinate internal communications to keep faculty, staff, and students informed and engaged.
• Organise press conferences, media interviews, and other PR events, serving as the media liaison.
• Translate content between English and Arabic to support internal and external communications.
• Create content for email announcements, newsletters, website articles, official letters, and leadership talking points.
• Monitor media coverage, produce analytical reports, and provide recommendations.
• Collaborate with social media and digital teams to ensure consistent messaging across platforms.
• Support communication needs for university events such as graduations, MoUs, partnerships, and conferences.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Media Studies or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in public relations or communications, preferably in higher education or an agency.
• Demonstrated expertise in media relations, corporate communications, and crisis management.
• Experience working in the UAE is highly preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Arabic.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the university’s global reputation.
• Collaborative environment with senior leadership.
• Professional development in a dynamic higher‑education setting.