Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
Reporting to the Head of Internal Communications, the Student Communications & Social Engagement Manager develops and implements targeted communication and social media campaigns for MBZUAI’s undergraduate and graduate students. Serving as the liaison between university administration, student affairs, media relations, and students, this role ensures timely, engaging communications across internal and external platforms. The ideal candidate combines strategic insight, hands-on execution, exceptional interpersonal skills, and expertise in crafting compelling digital narratives for platforms like Snap and TikTok. Experience working with high school or senior secondary students, and familiarity with student affairs or pastoral care, is preferred.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Communications Planning:
- Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy for current and prospective students, aligning with MBZUAI’s strategic goals and brand messaging.
- Identify optimal communication touchpoints and channels (external media, social media), and coordinate closely with teams managing internal communications, web content, and campus digital displays.
- Collaborate with Student Affairs to understand student needs and interests, translating insights into effective communication strategies.
- Establish communication guidelines and protocols to ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment across all student-facing content.
Social Media Management and Engagement:
- Lead strategy, content creation, scheduling, and community management for university social media platforms targeting students as the primary audience.
- Monitor social conversations related to student life, proactively addressing inquiries, feedback, and potential issues.
- Design and execute social media campaigns highlighting student resources, events, achievements, and university initiatives.
- Analyze social media performance to identify trends, optimize strategies, and regularly report on key metrics.
Content Development and Programming:
- Oversee the creation of compelling, audience-appropriate content (text, images, video) for internal student communication channels.
- Collaborate closely with Student Affairs, academic departments, and university units to capture and promote stories about student life, accomplishments, and opportunities, coordinating publicity with social and media teams.
- Ensure all content complies with university brand guidelines, accessibility standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Support the planning and execution of student-focused events, announcements, and outreach initiatives.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:
- Act as the primary liaison between Student Affairs, MBZUAI Social Media, and Media Relations teams for student-related external communications.
- Facilitate regular stakeholder meetings to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated communication efforts.
- Guide and support student organizations with their communications, ensuring alignment with university branding and messaging standards.
- Collaborate with Media Relations to manage proactive and reactive communications related to student news or issues, ensuring a unified university voice.
- Foster student belonging through digital and offline initiatives, enhancing engagement, support, and communication.
- Work closely with student services, faculty, and leadership teams to align communications with student well-being and academic success initiatives.
Crisis Communications Support:
- Assist in developing and implementing crisis communication plans for student-related incidents, partnering closely with Media Relations and Student Affairs.
- Monitor social media and communication channels for emerging issues, providing timely responses and guidance during sensitive situations.
Reporting and Evaluation:
- Track and evaluate the effectiveness of student communication strategies and social media initiatives through defined KPIs.
- Provide regular reporting to leadership on communication effectiveness, student engagement levels, and emerging social media trends.
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 5-7 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or social media management, with a strong focus on external communications.
- Demonstrated experience in a managerial or leadership role, preferably within a higher education setting or an organization with a strong youth/student/community focus.
- Proven expertise in developing and executing comprehensive social media strategies across various platforms (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube).
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and engaging messages for diverse audiences.
- Strong understanding of communication best practices, including crisis communications and reputation management.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and senior leadership.
- Familiarity with the unique dynamics and communication needs of a university student population is highly desirable.
- Ability to work cross-functionally within a larger communications and marketing team.
Preferred
- 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.
- Understanding of compliance and ethical considerations in public communication.
