Senior Communications & Engagement Specialist

About the Role

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is seeking a Senior Communications & Engagement Specialist for a full-time position. This role focuses on sharing the research, education, and impact of the PSE Division with local, regional, and international audiences. The specialist will translate complex technical topics into clear, engaging stories, working closely with the Assistant Dean for Research & Innovation, faculty, and researchers.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and implement a multi-channel communications strategy aligned with PSE and KAUST objectives.
• Maintain a consistent brand voice and visual identity across all divisional platforms and materials.
• Raise the Division’s profile locally, regionally, and internationally through targeted outreach.
• Align divisional messaging with KAUST Missions, national priorities, and Vision 2030 goals.
• Promote faculty and student hiring activities by developing targeted communication campaigns.
• Coordinate with the Global Branding and Communications (GBC) office, peer Divisions, research platforms, and the Education and Advancement (E&A) office.
• Write original content in English and develop or coordinate Arabic content for in-Kingdom and regional outreach.
• Translate technical research in Energy, AI, Health, Sustainability, and advanced technologies into accessible stories.
• Work with faculty, researchers, and students to identify ongoing research stories and news.
• Build and lead communication activities highlighting student and alumni achievements and career impact.
• Adapt scientific messaging to fit the cultural and institutional context of stakeholders in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
• Devise tailored content, including bilingual materials, to showcase in-Kingdom partnerships.
• Oversee internal and external publications, including newsletters, brochures, and annual impact reports.
• Collect and analyze divisional data for strategic reporting and outreach.
• Create charts, infographics, and visual summaries for datasets covering awards, publications, and research highlights.
• Use research databases such as Scopus and Web of Science to track publication metrics.
• Integrate statistical data and visual analytics into leadership presentations and public communications.
• Manage the Division’s LinkedIn and X (Twitter) accounts, from planning to publishing.
• Create and maintain an editorial calendar with clear timelines and content targets.
• Produce posts in varied formats, including short videos, visuals, research features, and event highlights.
• Engage with online audiences by responding to comments and interacting with partner organizations.
• Track social media metrics to improve content reach and engagement.
• Act as the Division's primary point of contact for media inquiries, in alignment with the Assistant Dean and GBC.
• Prepare presentation slide decks, briefing notes, talking points, and speeches for leadership.
• Provide communications advice to leadership for internal initiatives and external stakeholder visits.
• Develop promotional and informational materials for conferences, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and VIP visits.
• Perform other related communication duties as assigned by the Assistant Dean.

Qualifications and Experience

• Candidates should possess a strong STEM background.
• Proven experience in science communications and outreach activities is required.
• A minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience is expected for this role.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to translate complex technical topics into clear, engaging stories.
• Proficiency in crafting accessible science stories.
• Experience in managing digital platforms and social media accounts (LinkedIn, X/Twitter).
• Skill in preparing leadership presentations and visual reports from divisional data.
• Strong written communication skills in English, with the ability to coordinate Arabic content.
• Analytical skills for collecting and interpreting divisional data and social media metrics.

Reporting Structure

This position works closely with the Assistant Dean for Research & Innovation, faculty, and researchers within the PSE Division.