Science Communications & Engagement Coordinator

Position Summary

A hands-on communications role focused on bringing world-class research and education to life through engaging content, storytelling, and the development of communications materials that support Divisional initiatives. The Science Communications and Engagement Coordinator will work closely with faculty, researchers, students, and staff to share what the Division does and why it matters with audiences in Saudi Arabia and around the world.

This role would suit someone who enjoys talking to people, spotting great stories, and engaging with audiences online. You will be a visible presence across the Division’s social media channels, interact with internal and external stakeholders, and support the delivery of communications through digital platforms, presentations, and event-related communications materials.

Major Responsibilities

Content creation and storytelling

• Create original, engaging content that showcases the Division’s research, education, people, and impact.
• Turn scientific work into clear, compelling stories that resonate with different audiences.
• Build strong relationships with faculty, researchers, and students to identify and develop a steady pipeline of story ideas.
• Supports the development of content that highlights the Division’s contribution to KAUST’s institutional missions and engages key Kingdom and international stakeholders, including government, industry, and academia.
• Collaborate with the Global Branding and Communications office, peer Divisions, and other relevant offices across the University to support coordinated communication initiatives. 

Digital channels and engagement

• Manage the Division’s LinkedIn and X (Twitter) channels end to end by publishing engaging posts using a mix of formats (e.g., stories, visuals, short videos, features, highlights, reposts).
• Actively engage on the Division’s social media channels by responding to comments, interacting with partners and stakeholders, and helping build an online community.
• Be a visible and authentic presence on the Division’s digital platforms.
• Maintain an editorial calendar with timelines and content targets.
• Stay across evolving social media and digital communication trends and apply those that meaningfully enhance engagement and keep the Division’s content fresh and relevant.
• Amplify Division content alongside KAUST and faculty channels where appropriate.
• Track basic engagement metrics and provide regular reports and insights to support continuous improvement of the Division’s communications activities.

Mission-led storytelling

• Develop content aligned with the Division’s core mission areas, including:
• Food
• Water
• Red Sea-related research
• Health

Arabic content and local engagement

• Create original Arabic language content to support in-Kingdom engagement.
• Help extend the Division’s reach to Arabic speaking audiences in Saudi Arabia and the region through bilingual storytelling efforts.
• Adapt stories and messaging to ensure cultural and contextual relevance for local stakeholders.
• Engage with Arabic speaking partners, audiences, and institutions through the Division’s digital platforms.

Communications materials, events and leadership support

• Assist in developing high-quality presentation materials (e.g., PowerPoint slide decks) to support the Divisional meetings, reviews, visits, and external engagements.
• Contribute to the development of Divisional communications materials such as annual and impact reports and brochures.
• Contribute in creating supporting material for Divisional events, conferences, workshops, and visits.
• Contribute in preparing talking points, briefing notes and presentation material for events and formal engagements.

Competencies

• Demonstrated experience in communications, science communication, digital content, media or a related field.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to develop clear, engaging content across digital and written platforms.
• Fluency in Arabic and English (spoken and written) is essential, including the ability to create original content for Arabic- and English-speaking audiences.
• Experience managing and contributing to professional social media channels and digital platforms, with a personable and engaging online presence.
• Comfortable engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and proactively starting conversations to identify and develop compelling stories.
• Working knowledge of content creation and editing tools (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, Canva or similar software).
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple ideas, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
• A genuine interest in engaging both local Saudi audiences and international communities through impactful storytelling.
• Experience in preparing professional presentation materials and supporting documents.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear visual and written narratives suitable for presentations, reports, and events.

Qualifications

Minimum

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, media, science or a related field.
• Minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience in communications, content creation, digital media or a related role.

Preferred

• Experience in an academic, research or innovation environment.