Application Open:
Full-Time
The Senior Project Manager plays a pivotal role in leading the end-to-end project management function for the Marketing Department, ensuring the effective planning, execution, and evaluation of strategic initiatives that advance the University’s objectives. This role provides senior-level oversight across high-priority projects, including the Institute of Foundation Models (IFM) marketing program, undergraduate and graduate recruitment campaigns, podcast studio operations, and key brand and website transformation initiatives. The incumbent is responsible for driving complex, multi-channel projects from concept to completion, coordinating cross-functional teams, and maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency, and strategic alignment across all marketing activities.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Project Management & Ownership
- Lead the full lifecycle of priority marketing projects, translating strategic objectives into actionable and executable project plans.
- Deliver high-impact initiatives, including university-wide campaigns, student recruitment projects, major events, and website and brand transformation efforts.
- Oversee planning, resourcing, budgeting, scheduling, and performance monitoring to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with institutional priorities.
Organizational Alignment & Process Improvement
- Support leadership in strengthening team structure, workflow efficiency, and operational alignment across Marketing & Communications.
- Implement and maintain project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid) suited to marketing operations.
- Champion the effective adoption of Jira and Asana, serving as the functional SME and trainer for project tracking, reporting, and productivity enhancement.
Performance Metrics, KPIs & Reporting
- Define project objectives and KPIs for major initiatives and prepare dashboards, progress reports, and evaluations for the Director of Marketing and senior leadership.
- Conduct benchmarking and market analysis to inform planning, strengthen decision-making, and evaluate institutional positioning.
Project Planning, Communication & Stakeholder Coordination
- Develop structured project plans, detailed timelines, and risk management frameworks to ensure seamless execution.
- Maintain consistent, transparent communication with internal and external stakeholders, securing alignment and timely decision-making.
- Lead and coordinate cross-functional project teams, ensuring accountability, efficient workflow, and on-time delivery.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
- Track project performance, budgets, and resources, proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Conduct post-project evaluations, document lessons learned and integrate improvements into future project cycles.
- Support continuous improvement efforts across the Marketing department.
Academic Qualification Required
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Project Management, Communications, or a related field.
- A postgraduate degree in a related field is preferred.
Professional Experience Required
Essential:
- Minimum of 15 years of experience managing complex, cross-functional projects within marketing, higher education, or similar institutional setting.
- Demonstrated ability to lead high-impact initiatives, meet tight deadlines, and deliver measurable results.
- Strong background in organizational development, performance measurement, and continuous improvement.
- Proven experience working with executive leadership to inform strategic decision-making.
- Skilled in team leadership, stakeholder engagement, and project budgeting aligned with institutional standards.
- Proficient in data analysis and reporting, with strong capabilities in translating insights into actionable recommendations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on high-quality report writing and data visualization.
Preferred:
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent preferred.
- Experience of working successfully in the UAE.
