A multi-disciplinary position, the Communications Manager is responsible for executing PR, marketing, social media and internal communications strategy, alongside the development of existing and new sub-brands, as per the strategy outlined. In addition, the role includes managing the communications and design teams for all online, print, design collateral of the organisation with emphasis on growing the Avenue’s online profile and presence. The position also entails liaising across all Alserkal Avenue divisions including programming, events, communications, planning as well as newly initiated umbrella brands (such as Concrete and the Artists’ Residency).
The role’s primary goal is the successful planning, execution, delivery and assessment of March Art Week activities in line with strategic objectives and the communications strategy outlined.
OBJECTIVES
Design and execute online presence for Alserkal Avenue website, resulting in traffic increase.
Handle relationship with Google and develop better SEO.
Define AA positioning among its existing and future partners/collaborators across all collateral.
Draft sponsorship guidelines and criteria for all partners with Alserkal Avenue and its community members or third-party events taking place inside the Avenue.
Plan and manage budgets for communications and design throughout, resulting in savings and innovative solutions.
Build workflow and synergies amongst design and communication teams and the rest of the Alserkal Avenue team.
Create and manage content for Concrete and Artist residency.
Ideate and manage Folio blog execution for AA website.
Identify and expand on Alserkal Avenue’s average visitor and consumer and strategically communicate Alserkal Avenue brand.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Brand Strategy
Oversee the brand development and growth of Alserkal Avenue and all related sub-brands, in
line with the long-term strategy set out for 2017, including high-level growth plans and day-to-day use of logos, name, etc.
Oversee the launch and communications plans for Concrete and Artist Residencies brands, including development of press releases and collateral to meet launch deadlines.
Follow set guidelines for all brand usage and oversee brand use by all community members and partners.
Website and social media
Develop and implement Alserkal Avenue website improvements and content strategy and creation resulting in an immediate increase in traffic to the website, reaching on average 20,000 monthly visits by mid-2017.
Manage the Folio section of the website in line with the content strategy outlined.
Manage the “Conversations on the Avenue” podcast series in line with the content strategy outlined.
Work closely with web developers and IT to integrate CRM usage into website.
Work closely with web developers and IT to oversee all trouble-shooting and technical requirements of website.
Develop and implement Alserkal Avenue social media improvements leading to 20% increase in followers every quarter.
Communications and Copywriting
Initiate, develop, and brief all collateral related to Alserkal Avenue and brands, including programmes, maps, brochures, books, catalogues, etc.
Handle all copywriting and proofreading for all Alserkal Avenue collateral.
Handle all copywriting and proofreading of Alserkal Avenue press materials, including but not limited to press releases, interviews, statements and speeches.
Executing the communications strategy established for H1 of 2017.
Work with PR agencies to organize and coordinate press trips for H1 2017 as per the established strategy.
Work with local agencies to secure strategic features and coverage of Alserkal Avenue and all sub-brands as per strategy laid out.
Manage internal and external communications teams and PR agencies by overseeing goals, schedules and targets by:
- Setting effective goals
- Enforcing deadlines
EDUCATION & SKILLS
Education
Educated to degree-level or higher
Proficiency in MAC OS, including applications such as Keynote, Pages and Numbers
Previous experience working with content management systems is preferred
Soft Skills
Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a team
High levels of self-motivation, with the ability to work within an environment subject to change
The ability to grasp the needs of Alserkal Avenue as an organisation and consider practical solutions
The ability to multitask, simultaneously manage multiple projects at once, while ensuring highest quality execution possible within the initial deadlines set
Confident and outgoing, used to networking and substantial experience in outward facing roles
Well spoken, with great presentation and communication skills
Proactive in seeking out information on new collectors
Innovative in approach, always looking for ways to improve our offering
Well informed about the art world and willing to travel abroad
Confident and decisive with focus on desired results. Defines and monitors processes to ensure results both by attention to the specifics of the processes themselves and by ensuring that people meet demanding standards of performance. Monitors ongoing performance to ensure adherence to standards.
Strong ability to find creative and innovative solutions to the challenges of resource and membership development. Always has an eye out for new and better means to pursue desired objectives
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, contract position for 6 months. Days and hours of work are Sunday through Thursday, from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. with overtime and Saturdays required, if/or due to strict deadlines leading up to projects.
UAE