Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The Head of Branding is responsible for defining, developing, and overseeing the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) brand strategy, ensuring its alignment with the university’s strategic vision. This role includes managing brand positioning, messaging, and voice while leading integrated brand campaigns to enhance visibility and reputation globally. The Head of Branding will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to create compelling narratives, manage campaign lifecycles, and ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints. Additionally, the role involves conducting brand audits, overseeing brand research, and utilizing data insights to refine the strategy. The Head of Branding will also manage the brand budget, foster brand advocacy within the university, and ensure the successful execution of brand initiatives to support MBZUAI’s goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Brand Strategy & Development:
- Manage MBZUAI’s brand strategy, including positioning, messaging, and voice.
- Act as the primary guardian of the university’s brand identity.
Brand Guidelines & Governance:
- Develop, maintain, and evolve comprehensive brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all communications.
- Ensure adherence to brand guidelines across internal and external channels.
Brand Campaign Creation & Management:
- Lead conceptualization, strategic planning, and execution of brand awareness campaigns.
- Collaborate with internal teams (Creative, Web & Campaigns, PR) and external partners to create compelling narratives and creative assets.
- Oversee campaign lifecycles from brief development to post-launch analysis, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
Brand Consistency & Audits:
- Ensure cohesive brand application across all materials, platforms, and communications.
- Conduct regular brand audits to maintain brand integrity.
Brand Campaigns & Activation:
- Support brand-focused campaigns that enhance awareness, perception, and engagement.
- Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to activate brand initiatives.
Brand Research & Insights:
- Oversee market and brand research to monitor brand health and track competitor positioning.
- Utilize data-driven insights to refine brand strategy.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate with Head of Creative, Web & Campaigns, Analytics, and Comms teams to integrate brand strategy across all marketing efforts.
- Run the university’s brand campaigns and manage external agencies/vendors as needed.
- Educate internal stakeholders on brand standards to foster advocacy.
- Stay updated on branding trends and best practices.
- Develop and manage the brand budget, allocating resources effectively.
Other Duties:
- Carry out all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager and senior divisional manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.
Academic Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business administration, or a related field is required.
- A postgraduate qualification is preferred.
Professional Experience:
Essential
- At least 7+ years of experience in brand management or brand strategy, either in-house or at an agency.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing successful brand strategies.
- Deep understanding of brand architecture, positioning, messaging, and visual identity.
- Experience conducting or analyzing brand research and leveraging data-driven insights.
- Strong leadership and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for collaborating with various stakeholders.
- Experience managing projects and ensuring brand consistency across multiple channels.
Preferred
- Experience successfully working in the UAE or an international environment.
