1 Science Communication jobs in Saudi Arabia

Job Title

Senior Director of Public Engagement

Section

Contents

Department

Public Engagement

Reporting to

Vice-President of Contents

Project Overview

Join a team dedicated to a landmark national museum project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We are creating a flagship cultural institution that will showcase the cultures of the world. The project is a key contributor to the Kingdom's
Vision 2030
goals, advancing the nation's cultural and creative sectors. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a project of national significance and global impact.

Job Purpose

The Senior Director of Public Engagement plays a key leadership role in shaping the institution's relationship with the public. The jobholder will develop and implement ambitious strategies that foster meaningful engagement with diverse audiences and ensure that the institution is a vibrant civic space for learning, dialogue, and cultural exchange. With a deep understanding of how cultural institutions function within a dynamic public realm, the Senior Director will build trusted partnerships with communities, educators, and local organizations, working to reduce barriers to participation and broaden access. The role calls for an ability to identify evolving audience needs, apply data to guide decision-making, and articulate compelling narratives that deepen public interest and connection. The successful candidate will bring vision, leadership, and a collegial spirit to cross-departmental collaboration, cultivating an environment that supports innovation, shared learning, and inclusive public service. In developing strategy and program, the jobholder will activate synergy potentials in collaboration with several institutions, ensuring that strategies and activities are aligned with the institution's mission and values.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive public engagement strategy aligned with the institution's mission and vision. Utilize audience data and feedback to inform long-term planning and program direction.
• Ensure alignment of public programs with institutional goals and cultural inclusivity initiatives.

Budget Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor the Public Engagement budget in collaboration with the Finance Department.

Policies, Processes, and Procedures

• Establish policies and procedures for public engagement, outreach, and community programs.
• Ensure compliance with institutional standards, accessibility, regulations, and cultural protocols.
• Evaluate and enhance engagement practices based on evolving trends and audience expectations.
• Live by the institution's values, ethical standards, and governance.

Functional Accountabilities

• Develop and implement a strategic public engagement plan that aligns with the institution's mission and objectives, ensuring inclusivity and outreach across diverse community sectors.
• Analyze audience demographics and feedback to inform program adjustments and drive engagement initiatives effectively.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses to expand the organization's reach and collaborative programming efforts.
• Oversee the development and execution of public programs, exhibitions, and events that encourage visitor participation and create meaningful cultural experiences.
• Lead a cross-functional team to coordinate outreach activities, volunteer recruitment, and community engagement efforts.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of engagement strategies, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation based on audience needs and institutional goals.
• Act as the primary spokesperson for the museum's public engagement initiatives, presenting at community and regional forums to raise the museum's profile and foster partnerships.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to ensure cohesive messaging and branding across all public engagement channels.
• Secure funding through grant applications and sponsorship proposals to support public engagement initiatives and programs.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, challenges, and opportunities to inform and inspire innovative approaches to public engagement.
• Foster an organizational culture that prioritizes inclusivity, community responsiveness, and audience-centered programming.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with community organizations, cultural institutions, schools, and local businesses.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for the institution's public initiatives at community forums and public events.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure cohesive messaging and unified engagement efforts.

People Management

• Lead, inspire, and manage a cross-functional team responsible for public programming and outreach.
• Manage and support team members in performing their tasks in line with established policies and procedures.
• Guide, mentor, and develop the Public Engagement team to ensure continuous growth and achievement of functional objectives.
• Set clear performance goals, provide regular feedback, and support professional development through coaching and formal evaluations.
• Delegate authority appropriately to empower team members and encourage accountability.
• Contribute to workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management while promoting employee engagement and motivation.
• Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative work culture aligned with the museum's values.
• Promote innovation and contribute to a positive, inspiring, and diverse workplace.
• Maintain high personal standards and ensure excellence across the section.

Job Qualifications and Requirements

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum of 12 years of experience in public engagement, communications, or a related field, with a focus on cultural or educational institutions.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing data-driven engagement strategies that drive attendance, inclusion, and community impact.
• Proven leadership experience in managing teams and fostering organizational change.
• Strong understanding of audience analytics, digital engagement platforms, and community partnership models.
• Track record of successful grant writing, fundraising, and public relations in a nonprofit or cultural setting.
• In-depth understanding of public relations strategies and experience in increasing organizational visibility through effective media outreach.

Education and Certifications

• A bachelor's degree in arts administration, Museum Studies, Public Relations, or a related field is required. A master's degree in these fields is strongly preferred.
• Relevant Certifications are desirable.

Personal capabilities and qualifications

• Exceptional strategic planning and analytical skills with the capability to translate insights into actionable programming and outreach strategies.
• Strong leadership abilities with a proven capacity to inspire and motivate teams to achieve high levels of engagement and commitment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a knack for storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences.
• Proficient in the latest digital engagement platforms and tools aimed at enhancing visitor interaction and accessibility.
• Strong financial management skills, with experience in budget development and resource optimization for engagement programs.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and foster relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Creative problem-solving abilities and a flexible approach to adapt initiatives to meet evolving community needs and challenges.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Commitment to fostering a healthy workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion across all engagement efforts.
• Proven expertise in evaluating and implementing best practices and innovative solutions in public engagement.