Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The Head of Creative will lead the vision, strategy, and execution of all creative services for the Marketing and Communications department at MBZUAI. This role is responsible for driving the university’s visual identity across all platforms, managing a multi-disciplinary creative team, overseeing the university’s photo, film, and podcast studio, and ensuring the production of high-quality, on-brand creative assets, with a significant emphasis on video production, to enhance MBZUAI’s visibility and engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
Creative Leadership & Strategy:
- Manage external vendors and freelancers for specific creative or production tasks.
- Collaborate with the Head of Web & Campaigns, Head of Analytics & Operations, PR, and other internal teams to ensure creative alignment with campaign goals and business objectives.
- Develop and implement efficient creative processes and workflows.
- Present creative concepts and final products to leadership and stakeholders.
- Stay informed about industry trends, creative best practices, and new technologies, especially in video production and digital design.
- Manage creative budgets and allocate resources effectively across projects.
Team Management:
- Manage a diverse creative team, including designers, an animator, and a production specialist, fostering a culture of excellence and high performance.
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to team members, overseeing project allocation and workflow management.
Studio Management:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the university’s photo, film, and podcast studio, ensuring efficient scheduling, equipment usage, and production workflows.
Video Production:
- Lead video production efforts from concept development and storyboarding to filming, editing, and post-production, ensuring high-quality output across multiple platforms.
Creative Production:
- Oversee the creation and production of marketing collateral, including digital assets, website visuals, social media content, print materials, presentations, and event branding.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Manage external vendors and freelancers for specific creative or production tasks.
- Collaborate with the Head of Web & Campaigns, Head of Analytics & Operations, PR, and other internal teams to ensure creative alignment with campaign goals and business objectives.
- Develop and implement efficient creative processes and workflows.
- Present creative concepts and final products to leadership and stakeholders.
- Stay informed about industry trends, creative best practices, and new technologies, especially in video production and digital design.
- Manage creative budgets and allocate resources effectively across projects.
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 Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Film Production, Communications, or a related field is required.
- A postgraduate qualification is preferred.
Professional Experience:
Essential
- At least 7+ years of experience in a senior creative role, demonstrating a strong portfolio across design, branding, and multimedia.
- Proven leadership experience managing and mentoring a multi-disciplinary creative team.
- Extensive experience in video production, from concept to delivery.
- Experience managing creative workflows, production processes, and resources.
- Experience in managing or working within a professional photo/video studio environment.
- Proficiency with industry-standard creative software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro/Premiere Pro).
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred
- Experience successfully working in the UAE or an international environment.
- Experience in the higher education or technology industry.
- Experience with animation and motion graphics.
- Experience with podcast production.
- Experience in international or global branding/marketing.
