Head of Strategic Communications and Institutional Relations

The Head of Strategic Communications and Institutional Relations is responsible for leading the University's strategic communications, institutional positioning, stakeholder engagement and external relations. The role ensures the University communicates consistently and professionally with internal and external stakeholders while strengthening its reputation, visibility, partnerships and relationships with government, academic, community, industry and other strategic stakeholders.

Reporting to the VP for Administrative & Financial Affairs, the Head provides strategic advice to senior leadership on institutional communications and external relations and ensures communication activities support the University's strategic priorities, institutional identity and overall mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications: Develop and implement the University's strategic communications plan and ensure consistency and professionalism in institutional communications.
• Institutional Relations: Build and maintain relationships with government entities, higher education institutions, industry partners and community organizations.
  
  
• Government & Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate engagement with government and public-sector entities and maintain stakeholder networks.
• Reputation & Institutional Positioning: Strengthen and protect the University's reputation, public profile and institutional messaging.
• Media & Public Relations: Oversee media relations, press releases, official statements, speeches and institutional announcements.
• Digital & Institutional Communication: Provide strategic oversight of communication through the University's website, social media, publications and other official channels.
• Partnerships & External Engagement: Support strategic partnerships, MoUs and institutional collaborations.
• Events & Protocol: Oversee major institutional events, official visits, ceremonies and protocol for high-level visitors and delegations.
• Planning, Reporting & Performance: Develop departmental objectives and KPIs, monitor performance and prepare periodic reports.
• Department Leadership: Lead and develop departmental staff, manage resources and ensure compliance with University policies and applicable UAE requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Administration, International Relations, Public Administration or a related field.
  
  
• Master's degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Minimum 8–10 years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated managerial or leadership experience.
• Experience in higher education, government or a complex institutional environment is highly desirable.
• Experience working with senior executives, government stakeholders and external partners is preferred.
  
  Key Competencies
  
  
  
• Strategic thinking
• institutional representation
• communication excellence
• planning and execution
• results orientation
• analytical and reporting skills
• leadership and accountability
• stakeholder engagement
• relationship management
• professional judgment and discretion
• collaboration and teamwork
• negotiation and interpersonal skills