Communications Director

Roles and responsibilities

Support in the development and implementation of internal and external communications plans to promote the GEMS brand and its schools in line with GEMS Education’s business strategy in MENASA.

Key Accountabilities:

Communications plans and strategy

• Develop, support, and implement corporate communications plans and strategies to meet corporate objectives
• Develop, support, and implement school communications plans and strategies to meet corporate objectives
  

Internal communications

• Support GEMS management in the development and implementation of the GEMS Corporate internal communications strategy
• Actively manage development of various internal communications initiatives (websites, events, etc.)
• Actively build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders (school and corporate staff) and support them with their internal communications needs
  

Media relations

• Develop and nurture working relationships with media through regular direct interaction and via GEMS’ PR agency
• Work with coordinators in schools to develop strategies to showcase schools, school events, and students in the media
• Provide guidance and support to coordinators on communications-related issues
• Identify proactive English and Arabic media opportunities for GEMS Corporate, GEMS programmes, GEMS schools, GEMS people, and GEMS students; and secure related English and Arabic media coverage locally as well as regionally
  

Publications and brand reputation

• Support development of publications, brochures, websites, etc. incorporating GEMS’ brand narrative and facts and figures for local and global use
  

Events management

• Support the promotion of various corporate events (including logistical organisation and implementation)
• Support the promotion of VIP school events (including logistical organisation and implementation)
  

Stakeholder management

• Support in Management and development of communication tools to communicate with our Parents in an effective manner
• Manage and develop strategic partnerships (MOE – Emirates Innovative Teacher award, PMO – Government Summit, etc.

Desired candidate profile

Expected Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a similar field
  

Expected Experience:

• 6+ years of experience in communications, PR, journalism, events, or related fields
• 2-3 years of experience in implementation of communications and or PR strategies
• 2-3 years of experience working with local/regional media
• 3-4 years of experience working with stakeholder relations
  

Job-Specific Knowledge & Skills:

• Fluency in English with strong writing skills (proficiency in the Arabic language is a plus)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, good negotiating skills, and analytical skills
• Creative, innovative, and forward-thinking approach
• Excellent presentation skills
• Excellent organisational and project management skills