Manager of Public Relations - UAE Nationals Only

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Strategic Public Relations Leadership

• Develop, own, and drive the University’s public relations strategy, ensuring it is aligned with institutional goals and elevates the University’s brand regionally and nationally.
• Lead proactive PR planning cycles, including annual campaigns, media engagement plans, and stakeholder outreach programs.
• Provide strategic counsel to University leadership on reputational matters, communications risks, and emerging PR opportunities.
• Oversee the University’s public narrative and messaging framework, ensuring consistency and alignment across all external communications.
• Monitor public perception and the media landscape; respond strategically to protect and strengthen the University’s image.2. Stakeholder Engagement & Government Relations

• Lead and manage senior-level relationships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, embassies, business partners, community organizations, and other key external stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary institutional representative to UAE governmental authorities, including immigration, labor, residency, and other relevant entities.
• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement frameworks that enhance the University’s presence and influence within the local, national, and regional context.
• Represent the University in official forums, high-level delegations, and public-facing engagements.3. Government Transactions & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee and ensure the efficient management of governmental transactions including visas, residency permits, labor documentation, and regulatory filings for University employees, faculty, and visitors.
• Ensure full institutional compliance with UAE governmental regulations, labor laws, immigration requirements, and related legislative frameworks.
• Develop systems and processes to monitor regulatory changes and proactively address compliance matters.
• Escalate and resolve complex governmental or procedural issues, liaising with relevant authorities at a senior level as required.4. Events, Protocol & Institutional Representation

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of high-profile University events, official ceremonies, VIP visits, national celebrations, and community engagement activities.
• Oversee protocol standards and arrangements for dignitaries, senior government officials, ambassadors, and VIP guests, including reception, transportation, accommodation, and full hospitality management.
• Ensure the University is appropriately and impressively represented at all official functions, public events, and external engagements.
• Develop and maintain the University’s event management and protocol standards manual.5. Departmental Leadership & Operations

• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop the PR team, setting clear objectives, performance standards, and professional growth plans.
• Oversee departmental budget planning, expenditure control, and resource allocation to ensure efficient and impactful use of funds.
• Establish, implement, and continuously improve departmental policies, procedures, workflows, and service standards.
• Produce high-quality strategic reports, executive presentations, and senior-level correspondence related to PR activities, stakeholder engagement, and departmental performance.
• Maintain and develop robust record-keeping, documentation, and reporting systems across all PR and government relations activities.
• Perform other strategic and operational duties as assigned by the Director of Community Engagement.QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, government relations, stakeholder engagement, or a related field, including at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership capacity.
• Proven track record of developing and executing PR strategies that have demonstrably enhanced organizational reputation and stakeholder relationships.
• Significant experience working with UAE governmental entities, regulatory bodies, and official processes.
• Experience in higher education, semi-governmental, or complex service-oriented organizations is a strong advantage.KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Deep expertise in public relations strategy, stakeholder engagement, reputation management, and relationship development.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English; Arabic proficiency is essential.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, develop, and lead high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of UAE governmental procedures, labor regulations, immigration processes, and the broader UAE regulatory environment.
• Excellent negotiation, diplomacy, and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage at senior and executive levels.
• Strategic thinking and analytical ability, with a track record of translating institutional goals into effective PR programs.
• High degree of cultural awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholders and environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with PR/media monitoring tools.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with integrity.WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in a mixed interior and exterior/office environment, with frequent external engagements.
• Attendance at events, official functions, and meetings outside standard working hours may be required.
• National and occasional international travel may be required to represent the University.
• Limited physical risk; extended periods of standing, sitting, or walking may occur during events.SUPERVISION:

Reports to: Director of Community Engagement

Direct Reports:

• Public Relations Officer(s)
• Administrative Officer