Job Purpose:

The Section Head – Communications is responsible for overseeing and managing the strategic development, execution, and performance of all communication efforts across the Culture sector. The role ensures that communication strategies align with the overall marketing and communications objectives, leveraging the latest industry trends and best practices to maximize engagement, visibility, and audience impact. The role is also responsible for setting well-defined goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success and impact of all communication initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

· Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the overarching culture marketing and communications objectives.

· Establish clear KPIs, benchmarks, and reporting structures to track the effectiveness of communication efforts.

· Ensure all communication activities are data-driven, leveraging analytics to inform decision-making and optimize performance.

Content and Message Management:

· Oversee the planning, drafting, editing, and execution of content across all communication channels, ensuring consistency in messaging and branding.

· Manage and oversee editorial calendars, ensuring alignment with cultural events, exhibitions, initiatives, and global best practices.

· Supervise the creation of high-quality, engaging, and culturally relevant content, including press releases, speeches, opinion pieces, and corporate messaging.

Public Relations and Media Engagement:

· Develop and maintain relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and stakeholders to enhance the visibility of Abu Dhabi’s cultural initiatives.

· Oversee the planning and execution of media outreach campaigns, interviews, and press conferences.

· Manage crisis communication strategies and reputation management efforts.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

· Set measurable KPIs for all communication initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader marketing goals.

· Regularly analyze performance metrics, audience insights, and campaign effectiveness, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize results.

· Prepare and present data-driven reports and recommendations to senior leadership on communication performance, trends, and areas of improvement.

Team and Stakeholder Management:

· Lead and mentor a team of communication professionals, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure high-performance execution.

· Work collaboratively with internal teams, agencies, and external partners to ensure an integrated and seamless communication strategy across all platforms.

· Act as a key liaison between the Culture sector and other departments within DCT Abu Dhabi to ensure cohesive messaging and alignment on communication strategies.

Qualifications and Experience:

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.

· 8+ years of experience in communications and public relations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

· Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing large-scale communication strategies.

· Strong understanding of media relations, content development, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement.

· Experience working within cultural, governmental, or tourism sectors is a plus.

· Strong leadership, writing, editing, and analytical skills.

Key Competencies:

· Communications Strategy and Innovation

· Public Relations and Media Engagement

· Content Development and Editing

· Crisis and Reputation Management

· Stakeholder and Team Leadership