Senior Communication Specialist

Job Purpose:

The Senior Communication Specialist will be responsible for leading all communications within the Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), and the coordination of communication activities with other departments across the University.

You will lead the production of media and educational products (articles, press releases, videos, MOOCs) and coordinate the development of customized content for In-Kingdom and International communications. 

As the Senior Communication Specialist, you will develop the BESE communication strategy for addressing the general public, scientific community, potential students, and stakeholders such as policy makers and relevant industries, both at National and International level.

You will provide BESE leadership with expert advice on the communication strategy, includinganalyzing information pertaining to the Division (students, alumni, projects, publications, etc.) and preparation of presentations. 

Major Accountabilities:

You will:

• Lead the content development on all Digital Communication Channels.

• Develop and coordinate the implementation of media plans for major events organized by the BESE Division.

• Ensure editorial alignment and consistency with the University’s communication policies and practices.

• Define and update the BESE Division’s communication guidelines.

• Provide the BESE Faculty with advice and solutions for outreach and dissemination.

• Analyze the Science communications landscape; identify the most efficient channels for outreach towards students, scientists, general public, and key stakeholders such as policy makers, relevant industries, and funding bodies.

• Act as the Division’s first point of contact for media inquiries.

• Lead the PR work for the Division, establishing working relationship with National and International media and other relevant stakeholders.

• Advise GBC and KAUST Discovery on Division related media productions.

• Serve as the Divisional representative for In-Kingdom and International outreach programs and activities.

 Qualifications:

• Bachelors’ and/or Master's degree in Journalism, Communications, Natural Sciences or Engineering.

Experience:

• You will have a minimum of seven years of work experience related to science writing and communication on scientific topics, or seven years of work experience in communications and/or public relations’.

• Preferably, you will have experience in Media/PR in an Academic environment.