Director of Marketing and Communications

Marketing and Communications Department

Why the American University of Iraq – Baghdad?

Opening its doors in January of 2021, the new American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB) began as a dream of influential individuals in Iraqi and the United States business, industry and government who want to see a world-class institution of higher learning established in the city, reminiscent of the days when Baghdad was an educational mecca and flourishing capital of the Muslim world.  With a great library, palatial college buildings and student centers, state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and athletic facilities, AUIB will be a beautiful campus attracting students, faculty, and staff from throughout the world.  We invite you to join us in this exciting new venture.

This position will report to the Vice President of Administration and Finance.

The successful candidate will provide leadership for the development and execution of a comprehensive strategic communications and marketing plan to enhance the University’s leadership position, reputation, community engagement, and brand. 

This position will be based in Baghdad, Iraq.

The Job Responsibilities Will Be As Follows:

1. Strategy and Budgeting

• Develops, implements, and evaluates a strategic communications and marketing plan for the University. Clear goals and metrics will be established that addresses a variety of audiences and ensures brand recognition on multiple platforms
• Manages key issues related to media relations and crisis management and assumes the role of spokesperson for the University. With overarching responsibility for championing University communications, the Director of Marketing and Communications will align communications to support key strategies including international brand building, community relations, government relations, community engagement, and research.
• Recruit, lead, motivate, supervise, and evaluate a team of talented communication professionals to promote a consistent, on brand, professional, and collaborative image for the organization that helps achieve short- and long-term goals.
• Develop short- and long-term plans and budgets for the marketing and communications program and its activities, monitor progress, assure adherence, and evaluate performance.

1. Communications and Marketing

• Reflect, articulate, and promote the mission, vision, and identity of the University and its programs and institutes.
• Responsible for creating, implementing, and measuring the success of a comprehensive marketing and communications program that will enhance the image and position of the University within the marketplace and the public, and facilitate internal and external communications.
• Manage the strategic and creative design of the University’s marketing and communications activities and materials including:
  • Admissions/Enrollment/Recruitment Management
  • Website, social media, video, and photography production,
  • Athletic Department
  • Campus Life
  • Continuing Education Institute (CEI)
  • Institutional Advancement
  • Conference Services
  • Media Relations
  • President’s Office

• Manage the Marketing and Communications staff – currently consisting of a Media Advisor and Translator.
• Ensure articulation of the University’s desired image and position, assure consistent communication of image and position throughout the institution, and assure communication of image and position to all constituencies, both internal and external. Uphold protocols to ensure a uniform “house style” (uniform fonts, logos, pictures).
• Responsible for editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of all University print and digital publications.
• Coordinate media interest in the University and ensure regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests.
• Coordinate the appearance of all University print and electronic materials such as letterhead, use of logo, brochures, templates, etc.
• Develop, coordinate, and oversee programs, technical assistance, and resource materials to assist various colleges, departments, and institutes in the marketing, communications, and positioning of their activities.
• Ensure that the University regularly conducts relevant market research and coordinate and oversee this activity. Monitor trends.
• Leads special projects as assigned, such as special events, conferences, re-branding/logo development, and capital campaign communications plans among others.
• Any ad hoc projects as required.

Qualifications And Experience:

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or Advertising.
• Must have 10 years’ experience in communications and marketing.
• Knowledge of social media and communications platforms.

The Ideal Candidate Must Have:

• Strong communication style and compelling, diverse portfolio, particularly in the area of marketing and recruitment in the higher education field.
• Ability to function with a high degree of independence and to act very collaboratively in development and execution of marketing and communications strategies.
• Strong competency with standard software applications, and ability to learn new software
• Excellent planning, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and creatively, thoroughly, and confidentially, work independently under pressure.
• Strong project management skills.

Application Procedure: 

Applications should include:

• Cover Letter.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of Passport Data information page.
• References (contact details) for up to three individuals who are familiar with your work.
• Copies of all formal academic degrees and certificates.
• Copies of your Transcripts.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Confidential review of materials and screening of candidates will begin immediately. 

Please apply through AUIB website OR send your application and supporting documents to the following email address: jobs@auib.edu.iq