Senior Communications & Engagement Specialist

Job Purpose: This role shares the PSE Division’s research, education, and impact with local, regional, and international audiences. Combining a strong STEM background with proven experience in science communications and outreach activities, the position translates complex technical topics into clear, engaging stories. Working closely with the Assistant Dean for Research & Innovation, faculty, and researchers, the specialist will showcase advancements across Energy, Sustainability, AI, Health, and educational initiatives. Day-to-day responsibilities include crafting accessible science stories, managing digital platforms, preparing leadership presentations, and turning divisional data into visual reports, while highlighting student and alumni achievements, supporting faculty and student recruitment campaigns, and developing promotional content for in-Kingdom partnerships with Saudi universities and institutes. Major Responsibilities: Strategy and Brand Management • Prepare and implement a clear, 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. • Play a key role in promoting faculty and student hiring activities, developing targeted communication campaigns to attract top local and international talent to the Division. • Coordinate with the Global Branding and Communications (GBC) office, peer Divisions, research platforms, and the Education and Advancement (E&A) office to align campaigns and share content. Science Communication and Storytelling • Write original content in English for local and international audiences and develop or coordinate Arabic content to support in-Kingdom and regional outreach. • Translate technical research in Energy, AI, Health, Sustainability, and relevant advanced technologies into clear, accessible stories. • Work directly with faculty, researchers, and students to identify ongoing research stories and news. • Build and lead core communication activities that highlight student and alumni achievements, academic milestones, 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 and support in-Kingdom partnerships and collaborations with Saudi universities, research institutes, and national entities. • Oversee internal and external publications, including newsletters, brochures, and annual impact reports. Data Visualization and Analytical Reporting • Collect and analyze divisional data to support periodical strategic reporting and outreach. • Create clear charts, infographics, and visual summaries for datasets covering awards, publications, news, research highlights, and recognitions. • Use research databases such as Scopus and Web of Science to track publication metrics and research output. • Integrate statistical data and visual analytics into leadership presentations and public communications. Digital Channels and Media Engagement • 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 and use the data 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 in coordination with GBC. Leadership, Events, and Stakeholder Support • Prepare presentation slide decks, briefing notes, talking points, and speeches for the Dean, Associate Deans, Assistant Dean, and Program (Department) Chairs. • Provide practical 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. Competencies: • Solid understanding of general terminology and research methods in physical sciences, engineering, and technology. • Strong writing and editing skills in English; proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic (written and spoken) is a strong advantage. • Ability to turn statistical data and technical information into clear visual graphics and narratives. • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and design or data tools (such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Tableau, etc.). • Experience managing professional social media accounts and tracking analytics. • Strong planning, organizational, and project management skills to handle multiple deadlines. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with faculty, leadership, and external partners. • Familiarity with institutional protocols and formalities in Saudi Arabia. • Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities in an academic environment. Qualifications & Experience: Minimum Requirements • Master’s degree in a STEM-related domain (Physical Sciences, Engineering, Materials Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related scientific discipline). Degrees solely in media, journalism, or public relations without a STEM background are not sufficient for this role. • At least 5+ years of experience combining scientific research, data analysis, and science communication or content creation. • Fluency in English (written and spoken). Preferred Requirements • Ph.D. in a STEM field. • Additional degree, diploma, or professional credentials in media, journalism, public relations, or communications (in addition to the required STEM degree). • Hands-on research experience in an academic, laboratory, or R&D environment. • Fluency in Arabic (written and spoken) and experience creating original bilingual content is highly preferred. • A portfolio showing examples of science writing (bilingual samples are a strong plus), executive presentations, and data visualization. Show more