Marketing and Communications Manager

Job description / Role

Duties and Responsibilities

• Brand Management:
- Maintain and enhance the Academy's brand image and reputation.
- Ensure brand consistency across all marketing materials and communications.
- Develop and manage brand guidelines and ensure adherence across departments.

• Content Creation and Management:
- Oversee the creation of high-quality content for various channels, including websites, social media, newsletters, press releases, and promotional materials.
- Manage the Academy’s website content and ensure it is up-to-date and engaging.
- Develop and execute social media strategies to increase engagement and reach.

• Digital Marketing:
- Manage digital marketing campaigns, including SEO, SEM, email marketing, and social media advertising.
- Analyse and report on digital marketing performance and optimise campaigns for better results.
- Create, design, proof and manage all graphic design elements for digital and print marketing collateral materials.
- Design the yearly prospectus for SPAA.
- Monitor Student Social Media Accounts to ensure safe practice amongst the student body.

• Public Relations and Communications:
- Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets and manage press releases.
- Handle crisis communication and provide timely and accurate information to stakeholders.
- Organise and manage press conferences and media events.
- Copywrite, proof, monitor and manage all press releases that pertain to the Academy; this includes developing and managing a consistent relationship with a chosen external PR company.

• Event Management:
- Plan and execute academy events such as open houses, alumni gatherings, and conferences.
- Collaborate with various departments to ensure successful event promotion and execution.
- Assist the operations manager and box office in coordinating, organising, and managing in-house events – managing multiple aspects, including design, inventories, ticketing, seating, press, influencers, students, and staff.
- Assist faculty and staff with any outreach activities and events.

• Budget Management:
- Develop and manage the marketing and communication budget.
- Allocate resources effectively to maximise ROI on marketing activities.

• Team Leadership and Development:
- Manage and mentor a team of marketing and communication professionals.
- Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment.
- Provide training and development opportunities for team members.

• Strategic Planning and Execution:
- Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communication strategies.
- Conduct market research to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges.
- Set objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for marketing campaigns.
- Write Marketing and Communication policies and Procedures.

Essential:
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in marketing and communications, preferably in the education sector.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools and platforms.
• Experience with content management systems (CMS) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data to make informed decisions
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Creativity and innovation
• Attention to detail
• Relationship building and networking
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Adaptability and flexibility

Desirable:
• Master’s Degree in a related area.
• Graphic/Multimedia Design related degree or certification
• WordPress
• Familiarity with CMS and CRM tools
• Experience in SEO and SEM
• Arabic language

About the Company

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is dedicated to world-leading education and training in the performing arts. SPAA will see performers and technicians hone their craft while receiving global qualifications, paving the way for a successful future on and off the world stage. SPAA is a centre of excellence – the only dedicated performing arts academy of its kind in the Middle East – where everyone is welcome, from all backgrounds, to realise their potential as the new creative citizens of the world.