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 Office’s 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 UAE’s story is communicated clearly, consistently, and effectively to key audiences locally and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Development
• Develop and maintain the UAE Expo Office’s master communications strategy, ensuring it reflects the Office’s 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 Office’s 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 Office’s 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 UAE’s 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 Office’s 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
• Bachelor's 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.