Public Relations Specialist

Job description / Role

An exciting opportunity exists for an enthusiastic PR Specialist to work within the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, helping to promote AUS in the regional and international media, building the university's reputation as a leading academic institution. The PR Specialist will report to the Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing, and will need to undertake a number of diverse responsibilities to be executed within often challenging time frames. Help shape and maintain the university’s social media presence, in line with industry best practice.

Job Responsibilities:

- Implement all university social media marketing campaigns and day-to-day activities across all university social media platforms.
- Develop relevant content topics to reach the university’s target audiences.
- Create, accurate and manage all published content (images, video and written).
- Monitor, listen and respond to users in a “social” way.
- Develop and expand community and/or influencer outreach efforts.
- Work with Creative and Content teams to create design and copy for social media materials including Facebook Timeline
cover, profile picture, thumbnails, ads, landing pages, Twitter profile and blogs.
- Work with Creative and Content teams to design, create and manage promotions and social ad campaigns.
- Contribute to efforts in building online reviews and reputation of the university, including monitor online reviews and responding where appropriate.
- Analyze key metrics for social media on a daily basis and compiling monthly reports for management showing results (ROI).
- Become an advocate for the university in social media spaces, engaging in dialogues and answering questions where appropriate.
- Monitor trends in social media tools, applications, channels, design and strategy, and update the university’s social media presence in response.
- Engage in ongoing education to remain up-to-date with the latest technology and best practice in social media.
- Identifying threats and opportunities in user-generated content surrounding the university.
- Report notable threats to appropriate management.

Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing communication, public relations, or related field.
- Three to five years’ experience in a similar role; working in a higher education environment is an advantage.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
- Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
- Sound judgment in immediate response situations.
- Willingness to work hard and outside office hours.
- Strong communication skills.
- Outstanding English and Arabic writing skills.
- Awareness of local cultural customs and traditions.

About the Company

American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The university was envisaged by His Highness as a leading educational institution in the Gulf region. Located in University City, Sharjah, AUS is a not-for-profit, independent, institution of higher education formed on the American model.

It offers 26 majors and 45 minors at the undergraduate level, and 14 master's degrees through the College of Architecture, Art and Design; the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Engineering; and the School of Business Administration. These programs are designed to meet the challenges of a competitive and dynamic business and industrial environment.

As a provider of quality higher education in the Gulf, AUS is licensed and its programs are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation of the Ministry of Education's Higher Education Affairs Division in the United Arab Emirates. AUS is accredited in the United States of America by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.