Communications Unit Head - Emirati Hire

Job Description

The role oversees external communications, media relations, corporate communications, internal communications, issues and crisis communications, content production, and stakeholder engagement.

The role requires an experienced communications professional capable of managing complex stakeholder environments, government relations, high-profile cultural initiatives, and multi-channel communication campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement medium and long-term communications strategies aligned with Abu Dhabi's vision, brand positioning, and business objectives.
• Lead the planning and execution of integrated communications campaigns supporting exhibitions, cultural programs, partnerships, special events, educational initiatives, and institutional priorities.
• Advise senior leadership on strategic communications matters, stakeholder engagement, reputational risks, and public positioning.
• Develop proactive communications plans that enhance awareness, audience engagement, and institutional reputation locally and internationally.
• Monitor industry trends, media landscapes, and emerging issues to identify opportunities and mitigate reputational risks.

• Lead all media relations activities, including media outreach, press conferences, interviews, media partnerships, and press visits.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and international media, journalists, editors, and key opinion leaders.
• Develop media messaging, briefing documents, Q&As, speeches, and executive communications materials.
• Act as a key point of contact for media enquiries and ensure timely and effective responses.
• Oversee media monitoring, sentiment analysis, and reporting, providing strategic recommendations to management.

• Manage external PR, communications, and content agencies to ensure delivery against agreed objectives, timelines, and budgets.
• Leverage agency best practices and methodologies to improve communications planning, campaign execution, and measurement.
• Build effective relationships with government entities, cultural institutions, tourism partners, sponsors, and strategic stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with internal departments to ensure alignment of communications activities across the organization.
• Coordinate communication initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and high-profile VIP engagements.

• Develop and execute internal communications initiatives that support employee engagement, organizational culture, and strategic priorities.
• Ensure employees are informed and aligned through effective communication channels and messaging.
• Support leadership communications and organizational change initiatives.

• Lead the development and implementation of crisis communication frameworks, protocols, and response plans.
• Provide strategic guidance during issues management situations to protect and strengthen organizational reputation.
• Develop risk mitigation communication plans and stakeholder response strategies.

• Oversee the development of high-quality communication materials, including press releases, feature stories, speeches, publications, digital content, photography, videography, and corporate materials.
• Ensure consistency of messaging and brand standards across all communication channels.
• Manage filming and photography requests while safeguarding the museum's reputation, collections, visitor experience, and commercial interests.
• Support storytelling initiatives that showcase Abu Dhabi's cultural, educational, and community impact.

• Manage communications budgets and agency contracts, ensuring effective utilization of resources.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for communications performance, media impact, audience reach, and stakeholder engagement.
• Produce regular performance reports and strategic recommendations for senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence within the communications function.

• Lead, mentor, and develop communications team members.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing, and innovative team culture.
• Introduce new perspectives, agency best practices, and industry-leading communications approaches.
• Promote knowledge sharing and capability building across the communications team.