Director of Strategic Communications - External Relations

UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint a Director of Strategic Communications reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor, External Relations.

This position is responsible for developing and coordinating strategic communications for the University, with specific focus on the regular development of executive level communications, including community messages, internal and external speeches, presentations, talking points, video scripts, blog posts, FAQs, op-eds, and essays. Responsibilities include maintaining consistency of voice for communications in all mediums and uses to achieve alignment in tone, style, and leadership priorities. This position oversees and participates in the development and implementation of communication plans and strategies with a creative vision to advance executive level initiatives.

The  Director of Strategic Communications collaborates with unit heads in the Office of External Relations to assemble and lead project teams as needed to provide support for high priority projects and strategic initiatives, from planning to publicity and visibility and ongoing coverage. The position is also responsible for developing and leading robust

communications support for emerging or ongoing high-profile priorities, including issues management communications, by convening and leading units within the Office of External Relations, and in collaboration with offices and departments across the University.

This position often handles highly sensitive and confidential information, which requires discretion, tact and carefully weighed responses, often without warning or preparation

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation and editing of speeches, comments, presentations, quotes, talking points or scripts for live or recorded delivery, testimony, and statements
• Provide leadership in message development and consistency in support of emerging and long-running priority projects, including public health matters, such as a pandemic, issues management, new initiatives and strategic projects
• Lead the development of leadership and strategic project content for internal newsletters, brochures, public news releases, and other correspondence for and on behalf of the leadership team
• Promote the University’s visibility and enhance internal and external communications.
• Direct and lead research, writing and editing for message and direction on all materials
• Lead generation of ideas for speeches and materials, including venues and formats
• Work closely with the media relations team to align media outreach activities with high-level priorities and ensure message consistency
• Lead the development of content in support of responses to public, community and media inquiries, and preparation for internal community meetings and town halls
• Lead practical, hands-on guidance and coaching for members of the External Relations team and other colleagues on message development, alignment, packaging and distribution for public and media consumption

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English Literature, Journalism, Creative Writing, or a related field

Required Experience: 

• At least eight years in a communications, journalism or similar public-facing role with increasing responsibilities
• Experience with and understanding of executive communications in government, politics, non-profit, corporate or other, equivalent settings
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in politically sensitive and high-pressure environments
• Demonstrated ability to build and motivate teams, and work effectively in a team in a lead or support role
• Communicating effectively, assertively and diplomatically
• Leading and collaborating with various teams, drafting messaging and disseminating accurate information in a timely fashion
• Converting complex subjects into easy-to-understand communications for the general public
• Collaborating, interacting and communicating clearly and calmly with colleagues in a fast-paced setting
• Demonstrated creativity and strategic agility
• Outstanding writing, editing and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent judgment and discretion
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to occasionally work on campus or remotely during evenings and weekends for University events, issues management situations or relevant breaking news

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with digital media production and platforms, including online content management systems and related applications
• Working knowledge of social media content development, distribution and monitoring
• Working knowledge of professional presentation tools, including related content development
• Arabic language proficiency

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion.