Head of Communications (UAE Expo)

Job Summary
The UAE Expo Office is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Communications to lead and oversee integrated communications across its multi-Expo portfolio. This senior leadership role is responsible for developing and executing the overall communications strategy aligned with the Offices long-term vision as well as tailored strategies for each individual Expo participation.

The role will drive strategic storytelling narrative development editorial direction and agency management to ensure the UAEs story is communicated clearly consistently and effectively to key audiences locally and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Development
Develop and maintain the UAE Expo Offices master communications strategy ensuring it reflects the Offices purpose and ambitions.
Lead the development of communications strategies for each Expo participation aligned with thematic objectives and the national narrative.
Define and oversee the narrative framework tone of voice and messaging consistency across all channels.
Develop and oversee the deployment of strategic plans aligned to Expo Office goals and objectives.

Reputation Management
Develop the UAE Expo Offices reputation management strategy and systems.
Lead issues and crisis management from a communications perspective in close collaboration with leadership.
Lead and develop the UAE Expo Offices monitoring and horizon-scanning systems from a strategic perspective overseeing day-to-day activities during each Expo participation.

Agency Management & Media
Manage the appointed communications agency or agencies responsible for planning implementation and activation.
Supervise media outreach press events campaigns and distribution of press materials.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key media stakeholders both in the UAE and internationally.
Serve as the main communications contact with Expo organizers and partner communications teams.

Content & Editorial Leadership
Lead the development of strategic narratives and messaging frameworks for each Expo participation aligned to UAE Expo Office objectives.
Oversee the creation and rollout of high-quality content across all platforms including speeches social media editorials and promotional materials.
Ensure messaging and tone are consistent across internally and externally developed content.
Translate the UAEs Expo strategies into clear compelling stories for target audiences.

Performance & Risk
Define KPIs and lead performance tracking to assess communications impact against strategic goals.
Monitor media coverage and provide regular insights and recommendations to office leadership.
Lead the development and implementation of crisis communications plans including media readiness and reputational risk assessments.

Internal & Cross-Stream Coordination
Work closely with internal teams to align communications with broader office initiatives.
Identify opportunities from across the Expo Offices workstreams that support communications goals and storytelling efforts.

Leadership & Budget
Lead the planning procurement and management of all external communications partners.
Oversee the communications budget ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of outputs.

Key Skills & Qualifications

Education and Experience
Bachelors degree or higher in Communications Public Relations Journalism or a related field.
7 to 10 years of experience in strategic communications ideally with public sector cultural or international projects.
Strong experience managing communications agencies and integrated campaigns.
Fluency in English and Arabic UAE National candidates are preferred.
Prior experience working in the UAE is preferred.

Skills and Abilities
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable communications plans.
Strong editorial judgment and the ability to define and uphold tone and messaging frameworks.
Skilled in operating in high-pressure fast-moving environments.
Excellent cross-cultural communication skills and experience working with international media.
Strong collaboration skills and the ability to coordinate across diverse disciplines and stakeholders.
Ability to translate strategy into operational delivery including media and digital execution.
Comfortable working with multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic environment.

Other
Familiarity with Expo formats international events or pavilion operations is a plus.
Willingness to relocate or travel internationally for extended periods.