Job Description

The Senior Manager, Communications, Art Jameel, is a new role that addresses the need for a strategic, integrated, global approach to communications for our growing arts organisation. The role involves building and leading on communications strategies for Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai, and Hayy: Creative Hub, Jeddah, and integrating these centres into a cohesive, dynamic and streamlined plan that builds local audiences for our programmes and raises awareness internationally of our work and the artists and communities we support. The digital realm is of increasing importance to Art Jameel, and the role demands a keen awareness and knowledge of outreach via and for online programmes.

The Senior Manager is supported by social media and communications managers based in Jeddah and Dubai, plus a graphic designer (in Dubai); the role reports to the Director of Art Jameel and involves working closely with the Strategy and Development, Programming and Events teams plus Art Jameel’s PR agencies.

Accountability

Director of Art Jameel

Responsibilities and Duties

• Devise and oversee end-to-end communications strategies and schedules — from a broad overview to specific weekly and monthly activation plans
• Work with Art Jameel’s Director on the annual communications budget, and deliver communications plan within this budget
• Manage and nurture a growing, bilingual communications team based in two cities (Dubai and Jeddah)
• Working with the Head of Strategy, build and deliver a detailed communications strategy for the launch of Hayy: Creative Hub, Jeddah (opening autumn 2021), designed to have local and international impact
• Develop further a network of international journalists and critics and their knowledge of Art Jameel’s work, drawing on both existing contacts and building on Art Jameel’s established relationships
• Work with the local PR agency to deepen connections, understanding and knowledge if Art Jameel’s work within the GCC and Arab world
• Outreach to media and respond to enquiries, supplementing and complementing the work of the agency; build relationships specific to Art Jameel across print, TV, radio, online, etc
• Co-manage (with the Outreach and Strategy Manager) the Art Jameel brands, their application and development
• Co-devise (with the managers for Outreach and Strategy and Digital) a digital marketing and engagement strategy and implement communications-specific elements
• Oversee Social Media accounts and strategy, and support social media managers in the delivery and in increasing reach and engagement
• Support the Strategy and Development team in outreach to partners, patrons and supporters of Art Jameel; co-devise and implement campaigns to support Art Jameel Enterprises, including Art Jameel Shop; work with funders and collaborators to highlight partnerships and collaborative ventures
• Drive and lead content strategy and delivery for the websites, newsletters, printed material and so on
• Build media partnerships and advertising campaigns for the centres and specific programmes
• Work with the Art Jameel team to build internal awareness of communications, brands, messaging and outreach strategies
• Represent the organisation to broad audiences and external parties in the UAE, KSA and elsewhere, including giving tours, introductions, presentations

Qualifications / Experience

• Several years (minimum 6) of in-house and/or agency experience
• Experience in devising and running communications campaigns and timelines, managing teams and workflows, working to deadline and budget
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with experience in devising and developing content across print and overseeing the production and delivery of video and other digital content
• Motivated, energetic, results-driven team player, used to working within a fast-paced, hands-on ‘start-up’ mode
• A developed network of local, regional and international media relationships that can be built on within the Art Jameel context
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage A-Z multiple campaigns and competing priorities

Desirable: Experience of working in an arts institution, NGO or equivalent

Preferred: Fluency in English and Arabic (both reading and writing)

Conditions of Work

• This is a full-time position based in Dubai, UAE, with occasional travel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere
• All members of the Art Jameel team take shifts on the Welcome Desk (at least 1 day every 2-3 weeks)
• Occasional weekend and evening work according to events and programmes is as required

Benefits include:

• Full health & dental insurance
• Visa sponsorship
• 25 days annual leave