Science Communications & Engagement Specialist

Science Communications & Engagement Specialist

Biological & Environmental Science and Engineering Division

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 leadership and Divisional initiatives. The Science Communications and Engagement Specialist 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 on BESE’s social media channels, interact with internal and external stakeholders, and help shape how the Division connects with its community 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 complex 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.
• Connect the Division’s work to KAUST’s institutional missions and to 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 align messaging, amplify content, and support coordinated communication initiatives.

Digital channels and engagement

• Own and manage the BESE LinkedIn and X (Twitter) channels end to end.
• Actively engage on BESE’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 BESE’s digital platforms.
• Plan, write, and publish engaging posts using a mix of formats (e.g., stories, visuals, short videos, features, highlights, reposts).
• Help develop and maintain a clear editorial calendar with timelines and content targets.
• Experiment with tone, format, and timing to grow engagement and reach.
• Stay across evolving social media and digital communication trends and apply those that meaningfully enhance engagement and keep BESE’s content fresh and relevant.
• Amplify BESE content alongside KAUST and faculty channels where appropriate.
• Track basic engagement metrics and use insights to refine content and improve reach.

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 BESE’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 BESE’s digital platforms.

Communications materials, events and leadership support

• Develop high-quality presentation materials (e.g., PowerPoint slide decks) to support the Dean, Associate Deans, and Divisional leadership in meetings, reviews, visits, and external engagements.
• Contribute to the development of Divisional communications materials such as annual and impact reports and brochures.
• Create supporting material for Divisional events, conferences, workshops, and visits.
• Assist the Dean with speechwriting and talking points including opening and closing remarks for events and formal engagements.

Competencies

• Demonstrated experience in communications, science communication, digital content, media or a related field.
• Strong written communication skills, with confidence communicating in English across digital and written platforms.
• Arabic speaking and writing skills are a strong advantage, particularly the ability to create original content for Arabic-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 for executive audiences.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear visual and written narratives suitable for presentations, reports, and events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, media, science or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in communications, content creation, digital media or a related role.
• Experience in an academic, research or innovation environment.
• Arabic language skills or experience creating bilingual content.