Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
MBZUAI is seeking an accomplished and strategic Head of PR and Media Relations to lead the university’s external communications, elevate its global media presence, and shape perceptions among diverse stakeholders. In this role, you will operate at the nexus of innovation, science, and creative storytelling championing MBZUAI’s thought leadership, research breakthroughs, partnerships, and mission-driven initiatives. You will be responsible for cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with top-tier media, designing and executing high-impact public relations campaigns, and managing reputational risks with sound judgment and confidence. The ideal candidate will be a proactive communicator with exceptional editorial acumen, strong media instincts, and the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, engaging narratives that resonate with global audiences.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategy and Leadership:
- Develop and implement an integrated PR and media relations strategy aligned with MBZUAI’s organizational goals and ambitions.
- Identify and leverage opportunities to enhance the university’s reputation, brand visibility, and leadership position in priority markets.
- Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leadership as needed.
Press Office Operations:
- Establish, maintain, and manage a fully functional press office, including processes, templates, protocols, and escalation pathways.
- Strengthen structures, roles, and workflows to effectively handle media inquiries, manage embargoes, and coordinate local and international press engagement.
- Continuously improve systems for issuing media alerts, producing press releases, organizing briefings, managing approvals, and ensuring internal alignment.
- Ensure press office readiness to respond swiftly to high-impact moments, including crises, major announcements, and institutional milestones.
- Maintain and regularly update the media center, press materials, FAQs, biographies, boilerplates, and core organizational messaging.
- Conduct periodic reviews and updates of media policies, spokesperson protocols, and training programs to maintain consistency and alignment across teams.
Media Strategy and Relations:
- Lead the development and execution of global and regional PR strategies to strengthen MBZUAI’s reputation, communicate its value proposition, and highlight its research and leadership.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with key journalists, editors, and producers across international, regional, specialist, and digital media.
- Proactively pitch stories, coordinate interviews, and manage press engagement during events, launches, and other key moments.
- Oversee the management of external PR agencies supporting media relations activities.
- Monitor the media landscape to identify reactive PR opportunities and inform competitive positioning.
Content and Story Development:
- Shape and refine key media messages and narratives to reflect MBZUAI’s voice and strategic priorities.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts, including scientists, researchers, and faculty, to uncover compelling stories and translate technical content into accessible narratives.
- Partner with research and technical teams to ensure the timely promotion of MBZUAI’s work in priority markets.
- Oversee the development of media kits, fact sheets, alerts, announcements, Q&As, and executive talking points.
Issues and Crisis Management:
- Develop and maintain comprehensive issues management protocols and media holding statements.
- Act as a trusted advisor on reputational risk and crisis communications.
- Prepare scenario plans and manage timely, appropriate responses to media inquiries during sensitive situations.
Campaigns and Launches:
- Lead external communications for major initiatives, including research breakthroughs, partnerships, leadership appointments, and institutional milestones.
- Work cross-functionally with social media, internal communications, marketing, and brand teams to ensure consistent messaging across channels.
Measurement and Insights:
- Track and analyze media coverage, sentiment, and engagement using appropriate reporting tools.
- Provide regular reporting on key performance indicators, campaign results, and press office effectiveness.
- Monitor insights to advise on message resonance, media targeting, and continuous improvement opportunities.
Other Duties:
- Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.
Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
- A postgraduate degree will be preferred.
Professional Experience:
Essential
- Minimum of 12 years of experience in public relations and media relations, including at least 4 years in leadership capacity.
- Professional background in technology, research, or science sectors.
- Demonstrated success in securing Tier-1 international media coverage and leading integrated communications campaigns.
- Strong network of media contacts across technology, science, innovation, and higher education, both within the UAE and internationally.
- Familiarity with global media outlets and experience managing communications across multiple regions.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and messaging skills.
- Proven ability to translate complex or technical topics into clear, engaging narratives for diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in media monitoring, reporting, and CRM platforms.
Preferred
- Working knowledge of Arabic to support content review and collaboration with Arabic-language editors and writers.
- Experience in higher education and public policy, alongside a background in technology, research, and science.
- Ability to analyze media coverage and PR metrics to optimize strategies.
- Engagement with international media to promote global partnerships and initiatives.
- Understanding of compliance and ethical considerations in public communication.
