Science Communications & Engagement Coordinator

About the Role

KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) is seeking a Science Communications & Engagement Coordinator to join its team in Thuwal, Makkah. This full-time role focuses on translating world-class research and education into engaging content and communication materials that support Divisional initiatives. The coordinator will collaborate with faculty, researchers, students, and staff to share the Division's work and its significance with audiences in Saudi Arabia and globally.

This position is suitable for an individual who enjoys interacting with people, identifying compelling stories, and engaging with audiences online. The coordinator will maintain a visible presence across the Division’s social media channels, interact with internal and external stakeholders, and support communication efforts through digital platforms, presentations, and event-related materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Create original, engaging content that highlights the Division’s research, education, people, and impact.
• Transform scientific work into clear, compelling stories for diverse audiences.
• Build relationships with faculty, researchers, and students to develop a steady pipeline of story ideas.
• Support content development that emphasizes the Division’s contribution to KAUST’s institutional missions and engages key Kingdom and international stakeholders, including government, industry, and academia.
• Collaborate with the Global Branding and Communications office, peer Divisions, and other University offices to support coordinated communication initiatives.

Digital Channels and Engagement

• Manage the Division’s LinkedIn and X (Twitter) channels, publishing engaging posts using various formats such as stories, visuals, short videos, features, and highlights.
• Actively engage on social media by responding to comments, interacting with partners and stakeholders, and fostering an online community.
• Maintain an editorial calendar with timelines and content targets.
• Monitor evolving social media and digital communication trends and apply relevant strategies to enhance engagement and maintain content relevance.
• Amplify Division content alongside KAUST and faculty channels where appropriate.
• Track basic engagement metrics and provide regular reports and insights for continuous improvement of communication activities.

Mission-Led and Local Engagement

• Develop content aligned with the Division’s core mission areas, including Food, Water, Red Sea-related research, and Health.
• Create original Arabic language content to support in-Kingdom engagement.
• Extend the Division’s reach to Arabic-speaking audiences in Saudi Arabia and the region through bilingual storytelling.
• Adapt stories and messaging to ensure cultural and contextual relevance for local stakeholders.
• Engage with Arabic-speaking partners, audiences, and institutions through the Division’s digital platforms.

Communications Materials and Event Support

• Assist in developing high-quality presentation materials (*, PowerPoint slide decks) for Divisional meetings, reviews, visits, and external engagements.
• Contribute to the development of Divisional communication materials such as annual and impact reports and brochures.
• Contribute to creating supporting material for Divisional events, conferences, workshops, and visits.
• Contribute to preparing talking points, briefing notes, and presentation material for events and formal engagements.

Experience and Work Type

This full-time position requires 2-5 years of relevant experience. Salary information is not disclosed.