Head of Community Engagement

We are currently looking for a Head of Community Engagement to support a key initiative within the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) on a 12-month freelance contract.DCT Abu Dhabi is the government entity responsible for driving the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture, tourism and creative industries, playing a central role in positioning the emirate as a global hub.The role owns the community and events pillar of a high-impact sector activation program. The successful candidate will design and build a thriving community through a year-round program of activities, local B2B and B2C events, and the attraction and hosting of global and local IPs.Key ResponsibilitiesCommunity Strategy and DesignDesign the community-building strategy: target segments, engagement channels (physical venues, online platforms), flagship events, and a year-round activity calendar.Community Programs and Grassroots EngagementBuild and run recurring community programs: from concept definition to executionGrow and activate ecosystem around the sector’s programs and events.B2B and B2C Event PortfolioDesign the organic event portfolio: B2C events and B2B events (industry conferences, summits, showcases).Build the business case for each event: objectives, target audience, budget, revenue and sponsorship model, and expected community and sector impact.Oversee event delivery through operating partners, agencies, and venues; own quality, budget, and outcome accountability.Global IP Attraction and HostingIdentify global IPs whose hosting in the UAE would accelerate community growth and sector positioning.Lead bids and negotiations to bring these IPs to the UAE, in B2B and B2C formats.Structure hosting arrangements: rights, obligations, delivery model, support requirements.Performance and ReportingDefine, own, and report the community and events KPI framework: community growth and engagement, event attendance and satisfaction, global IPs secured, sponsorship and partner revenue, and economic impact.Manage the community and events budget.Candidate RequirementsMust HaveDemonstrated track record of building event portfolios end-to-end: strategy, business case, partner selection, and delivery to measurable results.Track record of executional excellence of high-profile MICE eventsExperience negotiating and managing commercial partnerships or hosting agreements with stakeholders, including organizers, sponsors, and IP holders.Strong commercial and financial-assessment skills: comfortable building and defending business cases, owning budgets, and evaluating partnerships on strategic and financial merit.Strongly PreferredDeep familiarity with the creative industries, media, interactive entertainment ecosystem.Established network among event organizers, content creators, and industry media.Arabic language ability is an asset; English fluency is required.Contract Duration12-month freelance contractLocationAbu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesInterested candidates are welcome to apply or share their CV for consideration.