Assistant Director, Strategic Communications - Office of External Relations and Communications

Job Number

2025-14651

Position Summary

UAE nationals are encouraged to apply 

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint a Assistant Director, Strategic Communications reporting to Director of Strategic Communications. 

The Assistant Director of Strategic Communications is pivotal in developing and executing strategic communication plans to support NYU Abu Dhabi’s key initiatives. This senior-level position focuses on enhancing institutional messaging, ensuring alignment across departments, and managing high-priority projects to strengthen the university’s local and global impact.

The Assistant Director is primarily responsible for curating and disseminating compelling narratives highlighting NYUAD’s achievements and vision. The role fosters a storytelling culture and builds a rich database of meaningful narratives showcasing the university's unique identity.

The Assistant Director will oversee the creation of high-quality, consistent communication materials, including newsletters and media reports, across all channels.

In this capacity, the Assistant Director will ensure seamless coordination between teams, provide strategic oversight of communication efforts, and contribute to maintaining NYUAD’s reputation for excellence and innovation.

Key Responsibilities: 

• The Assistant Director will work closely with the Director of Strategic Communications to develop and execute strategic communication plans, in collaboration with other members of the Office of External Relations and Communications, and various departments and offices.This role also manages projects and high-priority initiatives in support of NYU Abu Dhabi's strategic communication objectives. This position plays an integral role in helping shape institutional messaging, and aligning University communication strategies

• Support initiatives to identify, collect and cultivate impactful stories throughout the university and build a rich database of compelling narratives that validate the University’s key message areas: Global Network, Excellence in Education, Transformative Impact, Distinctive Experience, Future-Focused Growth
• A primary responsibility is ensuring consistent and high-quality communication across all channels, managing production and distribution of newsletters, and support and backup roles for internal communications
• Provide ongoing support for proactive media relations activities, including content development, event presence for media coordination, follow-up contacts and pitching stories
• Routinely update and compile a comprehensive media report for NYUAD partners and other reports as needed for internal reference

Required Education: 

• Bachelor's Degree preferably in journalism, communication arts, or other relevant field

Required Experience: 

• 7+ years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or media relations, preferably in higher education, government, or global organizations
• Expertise in developing and executing communication plans for diverse audience
• Ability to craft executive communications, including speeches, talking points, op-eds, community messages, and presentations
• Experience in media relations, including serving as a spokesperson and managing press inquiries with national and international outlets
• Led crisis communication efforts and managed high-impact reputational issues
• Strong record of producing newsletters, reports, and materials for stakeholders
• Managed cross-functional communication projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines
• Familiar with using metrics to measure communication effectiveness and inform strategies
• Solid grasp of media relations, outreach, and crisis management
• Familiarity with digital tools and trends, including social media and newsletters
• Strong writing and editing skills; able to produce high-quality materials under tight deadlines

Peferred Experience: 

• Experience in creating comprehensive communication plans aligned with institutional goals
• Expertise in executive communications, including speeches, presentations, and talking points
• Background in managing media relations as a spokesperson and building national and international media connections
• Oversaw newsletters, reports, and other communication materials
• Ability to craft impactful stories to enhance organizational reputation
• Experience in issues management and crisis communication under pressure
• Led cross-functional projects and collaborated with stakeholders to meet strategic goals
• Familiar with tracking media performance metrics
• Leadership experience mentoring communication professionals
• A strong understanding of cultural nuances is desirable, especially in the UAE or MENA region
• Exceptional communication skills in writing and editing to create impactful narratives
• Expertise in managing media relationships and press engagements
• Strategic Thinking
• Crisis Management
• Strong team leadership and project management skills to drive strategic initiatives
• Deep understanding of strategic communications, especially in higher education or global organizations
• Advanced project management skills to handle multiple high-priority initiatives at once
• Think strategically to align communication with priorities
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment