Senior Communications & Engagement Specialist

About the Role

KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) is seeking a Senior Communications & Engagement Specialist to join its team in Thuwal. This full-time role involves sharing the Division's research, education, and impact with local, regional, and international audiences. The specialist will translate complex technical topics into clear, engaging stories across various fields including energy, sustainability, AI, health, and education.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement multi-channel communications strategies aligned with divisional and university objectives.
• Maintain a consistent brand voice and visual identity, raising the Division’s profile and aligning messaging with university missions, national priorities, and Vision 2030.
• Promote faculty and student hiring through targeted campaigns and coordinate content with various internal teams.
• Write original English content and develop or coordinate Arabic content for local, international, and regional outreach.
• Translate research in energy, AI, health, sustainability, and advanced technologies into accessible stories, identifying key narratives with faculty, researchers, and students.
• Highlight student and alumni achievements, milestones, and career impact, adapting scientific messages to Saudi and Middle Eastern contexts.
• Create tailored and bilingual materials for partnerships with Saudi universities, research institutes, and national entities.
• Oversee newsletters, brochures, and annual impact reports.
• Collect and analyze divisional data, creating charts, infographics, and summaries covering awards, publications, news, research highlights, and recognition.
• Track publication metrics using Scopus and Web of Science, integrating visual analytics into leadership presentations and public communications.
• Manage LinkedIn and X accounts, including editorial calendars, varied content formats, audience engagement, and performance analytics.
• Serve as the Division’s media inquiry contact in coordination with the Assistant Dean and communications office.
• Prepare presentations, briefing notes, talking points, and speeches for senior academic leaders and department chairs.
• Advise leadership on communications for internal initiatives and external stakeholder visits.
• Develop promotional and informational materials for conferences, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and VIP visits.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Master’s degree in a STEM-related domain. Degrees in media, journalism, or public relations without a STEM background do not meet this requirement.
• Experience: At least 5 years of experience combining scientific research, data analysis, and science communication or content creation.
• Technical Understanding: Understanding of physical sciences, engineering, and technology terminology and research methods.
• Skills: Strong writing, editing, visual communication, planning, organization, project management, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Digital Proficiency: Experience managing professional social media accounts and tracking analytics. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and design or data tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• ** in a STEM field, with additional media, journalism, public relations, or communications credentials alongside a STEM degree.
• Hands-on academic, laboratory, or R&D research experience.
• A portfolio demonstrating examples of science writing, executive presentations, and data visualization.
• Familiarity with Saudi institutional protocols.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities.

Work Type

This is a full-time position requiring 5-10 years of relevant experience.