Marketing Communications Manager

About This Role

Company Description

The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), launched in 2014, serves as a cornerstone supporting the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation by preparing future generations of Emirati diplomats and government leaders. As a center of excellence, AGDA delivers region-specific programs, cutting-edge research, and access to global diplomatic expertise to equip graduates with the skills to navigate a rapidly changing foreign policy landscape. With the UAE’s success in global diplomacy, including initiatives like hosting Expo 2020 and leading in global indices such as passport strength, the Academy plays a critical role in reinforcing the nation’s international standing. Located in Abu Dhabi, AGDA aspires to be the leading foreign policy training and research institute in the Middle East.

Role Summary

The Marketing & Communication Manager is responsible for developing and executing the organization’s marketing and communication strategy across digital platforms, media, and internal and external channels. The role ensures consistent brand representation, clear messaging, and high-quality content while defining communication approaches, tone of voice, and content standards for different audiences and channels.

The role also oversees internal team members, outsourced staff, agencies, and communication tools and platforms to ensure effective delivery, proper documentation, and efficient access to communication assets.

Key Responsibilities

1. Communication Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement the organization’s communication and marketing strategy aligned with institutional priorities.
• Create annual and campaign-based communication plans.
• Define communication objectives, key messages, and target audiences for major initiatives.
• Monitor communication performance and adjust strategies accordingly.

2. Tone of Voice & Channel Governance

• Define and maintain tone of voice guidelines for different communication channels, including social media, website, internal communications, media communications, and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop writing standards, messaging frameworks, and content guidelines to ensure consistency.
• Review and approve key communication materials to ensure alignment with brand voice and quality standards.

3. Digital Platforms & Content

• Oversee content planning and publishing across digital platforms, including social media and the website.
• Manage the production of written and visual content such as videos, presentations, brochures, reports, and marketing materials.
• Ensure all content meets brand, tone, and quality standards.

4. Branding & Corporate Identity

• Maintain and enforce brand guidelines across all materials and platforms.
• Oversee the design and production of corporate materials, promotional items, and giveaways for employees, visitors, and partners.
• Ensure consistency of visual identity and messaging across campaigns and platforms.

5. Media, PR & Publishing

• Manage media relations and coordinate press releases, interviews, and media engagement.
• Oversee publishing of institutional materials, reports, and thought leadership content.
• Monitor media coverage and prepare reports and insights.

6. Marketing & Campaigns

• Plan and execute marketing campaigns to support organizational initiatives and programs.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external agencies.
• Track performance and provide reports on campaign outcomes and engagement.

7. Team, Vendors & Agency Management

• Manage and supervise full-time employees within the marketing and communication function.
• Coordinate and oversee outsourced staff, freelancers, and vendors to ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Manage relationships with creative, media, and marketing agencies, including briefing, reviewing deliverables, and evaluating performance.
• Allocate tasks, set priorities, and ensure effective collaboration across internal and external teams.

8. Digital Archive, Platforms & Subscriptions

• Oversee the organization and maintenance of a digital archive for communication assets, including photos, videos, publications, presentations, and branding materials.
• Ensure proper documentation, version control, and accessibility of archived materials.
• Manage subscriptions to communication, media monitoring, design, publishing, and marketing platforms.
• Evaluate tools and platforms to ensure cost-effectiveness, relevance, and efficiency.
• Coordinate with IT or procurement teams on licensing, renewals, and access management.

9. Customer Experience & Stakeholder Communication

• Work closely with customer service and stakeholder-facing teams to ensure consistent messaging and service standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve communication effectiveness and audience engagement.

10. Planning, Coordination & Reporting

• Develop annual and quarterly communication and marketing plans.
• Manage budgets related to communication and marketing activities.
• Provide regular reports on communication performance, reach, and engagement.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking and planning skills.
• Strong writing and editorial judgment.
• Leadership and team management abilities.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Understanding of branding, tone of voice, and audience segmentation.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.