Communications Manager

Job SummaryThe Communications Manager leads and manages Sharjah Art Foundation’s integrated communications strategy across public relations and media relations, marketing, social media, digital platforms and the website, overseeing campaigns for the Foundation’s exhibitions, programmes and institutional initiatives.The role manages the Communications team and departmental budget, including communications planning, media strategy, external agencies, media partnerships and vendor relationships. The Communications Manager also oversees executive and institutional communications and media relations for institutional leadership and curators, including local, regional and international media opportunities, interviews and briefing materials.The role oversees the development, review and approval of communications materials in English and Arabic, ensuring consistency with the Foundation’s institutional messaging.Working closely with senior management and departments across the Foundation, the manager also maintains relationships with artists, curators, cultural institutions, media organisations, journalists, agencies, media partners and other external stakeholders locally, regionally and internationally. In addition to overseeing SAF Shops and the online shop, as well as communications and ticketing for Rain Room Sharjah.Roles and Responsibilities Communications Strategy and Management Develop, lead and oversee the Foundation’s integrated communications strategy across PR and media relations, marketing, social media, digital platforms and the website.Lead communications planning and campaigns for the Foundation’s exhibitions, programmes, events and major institutional initiatives, including Sharjah Biennial, March Meeting and other key programmes.Develop annual and project-specific communications plans, timelines and priorities in coordination with relevant departments.Ensure communications activity is aligned with the Foundation’s institutional objectives, identity and positioning.Establish and maintain consistent institutional messaging, terminology and communications standards across platforms and materials.Identify opportunities to strengthen the Foundation’s visibility and positioning locally, regionally and internationally.Advise senior management and relevant departments on communications strategy, media positioning and communications requirements.Press and Media RelationsDevelop and oversee local, regional and international media relations strategies for the Foundation and its programmes.Build and maintain relationships with local, regional and international journalists, editors, broadcasters, critics and other media contacts.Oversee press outreach in English and Arabic for exhibitions, programmes, events and institutional announcements.Oversee the development, review and distribution of press releases, media alerts, press invitations, media kits, fact sheets, briefing documents and other press materials in English and Arabic.Oversee media visits, press previews, interviews, press conferences and other media opportunities.Coordinate with artists, curators, institutional partners and relevant departments on interviews and media requirements.Identify and pursue strategic editorial and media opportunities that support the Foundation’s positioning and programmes.Oversee media monitoring, coverage reporting and post-campaign analysis across English- and Arabic-language media.Executive and Institutional CommunicationsOversee communications and media relations for institutional leadership and curators.Coordinate local, regional and international interview requests, speaking opportunities and media engagements, including English- and Arabic-language media.Prepare and/or oversee briefing materials, talking points, speeches, interview notes and other communications materials for institutional leadership in English and Arabic.Support strategic positioning and messaging for institutional leadership across media and public-facing opportunities.Coordinate closely with senior management on sensitive, high-profile or reputational communications matters.Support the development of reactive statements and crisis communications in English and Arabic.Marketing and CampaignsOversee marketing strategy and campaign planning for exhibitions, programmes, events and institutional initiatives.Work with the Marketing team to develop and implement integrated campaigns across digital, print, outdoor and other relevant channels.Oversee media planning, advertising requirements and campaign deliverables.Oversee the review of marketing and campaign materials in English and Arabic, ensuring consistency with approved institutional messaging.Manage relationships with external agencies, media partners, suppliers and vendors.Identify and oversee relevant media and promotional partnerships.Review campaign performance and recommend adjustments based on results and audience response.Social Media and Digital CommunicationsOversee the Foundation’s social media strategy and content planning across relevant platforms.Ensure social media content supports institutional priorities, exhibitions, programmes and campaigns.Oversee the development and review of social media calendars, campaign content and digital communications.Review and approve social media and digital communications content in English and Arabic.Monitor social media and digital performance and use reporting and analytics to inform future communications activity.Work with relevant team members and departments to ensure timely coverage of exhibitions, programmes and events.WebsiteOversee the Foundation’s website from a communications and content perspective.Ensure website content is accurate, current and aligned with institutional messaging.Oversee the review of website communications content in English and Arabic.Coordinate website updates and publishing requirements across departments.Oversee communications content for exhibitions, programmes, events and institutional initiatives in coordination with Editorial, Design, IT and relevant programme teams.Team ManagementManage and supervise the Communications team and oversee day-to-day departmental delivery.Allocate responsibilities and establish priorities, timelines and deadlines across the team.Provide guidance, review and approval across communications outputs and campaigns.Support team development, performance and effective collaboration.Coordinate workflows across press, marketing, social media, digital and website functions.Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure information, assets and approvals are received according to communications timelines.Budget, Agencies and External PartnersPrepare, manage and monitor the annual Communications Department budget.Oversee communications-related expenditure and ensure activity remains within approved budgets.Manage external communications and PR agencies where appointed.Oversee relationships with relevant vendors, suppliers, media partners and external service providers.Review proposals, quotations and campaign requirements in coordination with relevant internal departments.Reporting and EvaluationOversee regular reporting across press, media, marketing, social media and digital communications.Monitor campaign performance, media coverage, digital reach and engagement.Prepare communications reports and post-campaign evaluations for major exhibitions, programmes and institutional initiatives.Use performance data and campaign learnings to inform future communications strategy and planning.SAF Shops and Online ShopOversee communications and marketing requirements for SAF Shops and the online shop.Oversee marketing and promotional activity supporting SAF publications, products and retail initiatives.Coordinate with relevant team members on shop campaigns, product launches, digital promotion and online shop requirements.Oversee relevant external partnerships, campaigns and promotional opportunities relating to SAF Shops.Support the planning and oversight of retail communications and related departmental requirements.Rain Room Oversee communications and marketing for Rain Room .Oversee Rain Room ticketing from the Communications Department perspective, including coordination relating to the ticketing platform and relevant operational requirements.Coordinate promotional campaigns, digital communications and public-facing information in English and Arabic relating to Rain Room Sharjah.Work with relevant internal teams and external providers to address communications and ticketing requirements.Required Qualifications and Experience Master’s or bachelor's degree in marketing, Communications or a related field, with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience. Working ConditionsThe role is a full-time position based in Sharjah, with working hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Thursday. Before Sharjah Biennials and other major exhibitions and events, additional work may be required.