Communications Manager

Job description / Role

Job description

The communications manager will lead and manage internal and external communications across GEMS Education to strengthen the brand's reputation, ensure message consistency, and drive strategic storytelling.

This role plays a vital part in shaping how parents, staff, partners, and the wider community experience the GEMS brand - through media relations, internal narratives, leadership communications, and content that reflects our vision of delivering the finest education in the world.

1. Strategic communications & messaging

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with GEMS Education's vision, values, and growth goals.
• Craft and manage key messages, speeches, statements, and op-eds for leadership including the Chairman, CEO, and CMO.
• Ensure alignment across all communication channels - internal, media, social, and digital - maintaining a unified brand voice.
• Manage sensitive and crisis communications in collaboration with leadership and PR partners.

2. Media relations & thought leadership

• Build and maintain strong relationships with media, journalists, and education editors across the UAE and global markets.
• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, including press releases, briefings, and media kits.
• Identify opportunities for thought leadership and secure high-impact features, interviews, and bylined articles.
• Track and analyze media coverage, preparing regular reports on visibility, sentiment, and share of voice.

3. Internal communications & employee engagement

• Partner with HR and leadership to plan and deliver internal communication campaigns that foster culture, engagement, and clarity.
• Manage newsletters, leadership updates, and employee storytelling platforms.
• Support communication plans for internal events, town halls, and key organizational announcements.

4. Campaigns & brand storytelling

• Collaborate with Brand, Digital, and Social teams to translate strategic priorities into compelling communication campaigns.
• Drive storytelling around students, teachers, schools, and community impact, amplifying GEMS Education's purpose and success stories.
• Ensure all campaigns align with GEMS' tone of voice and visual identity.

5. Partnerships & stakeholder alignment

• Coordinate messaging across schools, business units, and partners to ensure brand consistency.
• Support communications for corporate initiatives, CSR programs, and strategic partnerships.
• Advise school principals and communications leads on best practices for media and parent engagement.

Skills

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum 7-10 years' experience in corporate communications, PR, or media relations (education sector experience preferred).
• Proven success in managing complex communications strategies in large, multi-brand organizations.
• Strong relationships with media and understanding of UAE and GCC press landscape.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills in English (Arabic proficiency is an advantage).

Skills & attributes

• Strong strategic thinking and narrative-building ability.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Calm under pressure; experienced in issue management.
• Collaborative, creative, and proactive.
• Passionate about education, innovation, and community impact.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.

About the Company

GEMS Education is a pioneering education company with an international network of award winning K-12 schools. Over the past 55 years GEMS has grown from one school to being a truly global company with one incredible mission – to make quality education available to every student. Over 20,000 education professionals unlock the potential of over 250,000 students across 14 countries each and every day, preparing children of all ages for real world success.