Communications Specialist

Position Overview

The Communications Specialist plays a pivotal role in executing KAUST’s communications strategy, serving as a bridge between business units, stakeholders, and the Global Brand Center (GBC) specialist teams. This position requires a strategic mindset, strong relationship-building skills, and hands-on execution capabilities to drive engagement and support organizational objectives. By aligning communication initiatives with KAUST’s brand positioning and operational goals, the Communications Specialist ensures cohesive messaging, seamless collaboration, and measurable impact across all channels.

Key Responsibilities

The Communications Specialist is responsible for the following core functions:

• Strategic Collaboration: Partner with designated business units and stakeholders to develop and implement tailored marketing communication strategies that align with KAUST’s objectives and brand guidelines.
• Tactical Planning and Execution: Assist in creating and executing integrated communication plans, including campaigns, initiatives, and content across digital, print, social media, and event platforms to reach target audiences effectively.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including GBC teams, digital teams, and creative partners, to ensure alignment, smooth execution, and collective support for initiatives.
• Content Development and Management: Coordinate the creation, approval, and distribution of high-quality communications and assets, ensuring consistency in messaging, adherence to brand guidelines, and alignment with KAUST’s values and tone.
• Performance Analysis and Optimization: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication initiatives using performance metrics and market research insights. Provide data-driven recommendations to refine strategies and enhance impact.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of communication efforts, including social media management, website content updates, and event support.
• Event and Campaign Support: Assist in the conceptualization, planning, execution, and post-event evaluation of flagship university events, campaigns, and activations, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and brand positioning.
• Project Management: Utilize project management tools such as Asana and Zendesk to track progress, manage tasks, and maintain records of deliverables, ensuring timely and efficient execution of communication projects.
• Reporting and Escalation: Provide regular updates to stakeholders, monitor activity progress, and escalate issues as needed to ensure transparency and accountability.

Required Competencies and Skills

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and competencies:

• Experience: Proven track record in supporting integrated marketing communication campaigns across multiple channels, with a focus on achieving business objectives.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, fostering open communication and collaboration to drive collective success.
• Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical skills to evaluate performance metrics, interpret market research, and optimize communication strategies for maximum impact.
• Written and Verbal Communication: Exceptional writing abilities to craft high-quality, audience-focused communications that align with KAUST’s brand voice and objectives.
• Project Management: Demonstrated expertise in managing communication projects, marketing collateral, and content marketing initiatives from conception to completion.
• Adaptability and Innovation: Commitment to staying abreast of industry trends and best practices in marketing communication to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Zendesk) and content management systems to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.

Additional Responsibilities

The Communications Specialist may also be tasked with supporting ad-hoc projects, including but not limited to:

• Developing work plans and managing stakeholder expectations to ensure successful project delivery.
• Collaborating with embedded resources to manage social media channels and website content.
• Assisting with the development of clear, audience-focused messaging that resonates with KAUST’s target audiences.
• Ensuring all communications adhere to brand guidelines and reflect the university’s values and tone.