Associate Strategic Communications & Marketing Manager

Associate Strategic Communications & Marketing Manager

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) aims to realize the wise vision of Dubai's leadership to institutionalize the envisioned future and forward-thinking methodologies, while positioning Dubai as the leading city of the future. In partnership with its local and global partners from governments, companies, startups, and entrepreneurs, DFF drives joint efforts to collectively imagine, design, and execute the best possible future for humanity.

Under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, the DFF runs and oversees many futureproofing projects and initiatives, such as the Museum of the Future, Area 2071, The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE, Dubai Future Accelerators, One Million Arab Coders, Dubai Future Academy, Dubai Future Solutions, Dubai Future Labs, Dubai Future Forum, and Sandbox Dubai. DFF's efforts to share knowledge, adopt innovation, support entrepreneurs and innovative startups, build capacity, and promote forward-thinking and foresight principles contribute to Dubai's ambitions to be a role model for the cities of the future through the power of unlimited imagination, innovation, foresight and disruptive mindset.

For more information on the initiatives, projects, and programs of Dubai Future Foundation, please visit the website: www.dubaifuture.ae

Where does this role fit into the bigger picture

Dubai Future Foundation recently launched Sandbox Dubai, a Regulatory Sandbox that centers around key themes such as: Artificial Intelligence, Health Tech, Green technology, and Real Estate technology. We would like to invite talented and experienced individuals to join our dynamic team as we embark on this journey.

As we embrace the challenges and opportunities of the modern regulatory landscape, we are seeking talented individuals who are eager to contribute their expertise and creativity to the Sandbox Dubai initiatives. We aim to explore novel solutions, foster collaboration across sectors, and pave the way for transformative changes that benefit both consumers and industries of Dubai.

In the broader context of Sandbox Dubai, the Associate Strategic Communications and Marketing Manager reports to the Director of Sandbox Dubai and will collaborate closely with other Sandbox functions while liaising closely with Dubai Future Foundation's Marketing & Communications team.

Associate Manager, Strategic Communications & Marketing

We are seeking a highly skilled Associate Strategic Communications and Marketing Manager to help shape and execute the communications and marketing strategy for Sandbox Dubai. This role offers the unique opportunity to contribute to a modern, exciting government platform that seeks to enable innovation in Dubai through adaptive regulatory supervision.

You will be crafting an authoritative yet inspiring voice across content, identifying media opportunities, and driving thought leadership for Sandbox Dubai's leadership team. As part of the Dubai Future Foundation's mission to position Dubai as a leading city of the future and align with the D33 agenda, you will help build a strong, credible brand for Sandbox Dubai among innovators, regulators, government entities, and the public.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop Communications and Marketing Strategy for Sandbox Dubai:

• Craft and execute a tailored communications and marketing strategy for Sandbox Dubai that addresses the needs of diverse audiences, including innovators, government entities, and the general public.
• Define the Sandbox Dubai tone of voice and brand showcasing it as an enabler for innovators, investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to experiment safely under adaptive regulation.

Cross Functional Collaboration:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all marketing and communications efforts for Sandbox Dubai.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure all communications efforts for Sandbox Dubai align with the broader goals and strategy for Dubai Future Foundation.
• Present updates to leadership as required.

Manage external agency/consultants:

• Oversee the activities and deliverables of external communications/marketing/PR agencies to ensure alignment with Sandbox Dubai's objectives.
• This includes:
• Defining clear KPIs, goals, deliverables, and timelines for the agency.
• Providing regular feedback and guidance to optimize performance and outcomes.
• Coordinating with the agency to deliver tailored campaigns for specific projects, events, and stakeholder groups.
• Monitoring the agency's adherence to KPIs and contractual obligations, and reporting on progress to internal stakeholders.
• Ensure full utilization of resources and delivery of agreed-upon objectives.
• Ensuring the agency's outputs reflect the Sandbox Dubai brand and meet the strategic communications objectives.

Identify and Build relationships with Key Communication Channels:

• Identify and target key publications, events, and platforms to enhance Sandbox Dubai's visibility and credibility.
• Leverage both traditional and modern channels (e.g., podcasts, pop-up talk shows/majlises) to expand media reach.
• With the help of the agency, build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and international media across various formats, including TV, print, online, and trade outlets.
• Plan and execute media events, roundtables, press conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities to drive engagement and awareness.

What Dubai Future Foundation offers

We will offer you a unique opportunity to work with passionate people, support shapers of the future as well as work that has an impact, not only on the organization or the UAE but all of humankind.

You will have the chance to work on exciting and new projects, work in a highly diverse and fast-paced environment that fosters creativity, disruptive ideas, and innovation.

Who we are looking for

A highly motivated, strategic communications and marketing professional capable of delivering results in a fast-paced engagement.

3-5 years of proven experience in strategic communications and marketing, ideally within government, academia, think tanks or international development.

Exceptional English & Arabic writing with demonstrated ability to tailor concise messaging to diverse audiences.

Strong storytelling abilities with a focus on translating complex regulatory and socio-economic developments for the broader public.

Demonstrated experience in advancing thought leadership on innovation topics.

A solid understanding of the social media landscape, with a modern, creative approach to content creation as well as running content & marketing campaigns.

Ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively with leadership and teams in a complex, matrixed environment.

Experience securing owned and paid placements in high-impact publications and media outlets.

Languages: Fluent in reading, writing & presenting in both Arabic & English.