Job Purpose

The Senior Events Specialist will be the driving force behind crafting and executing a dynamic events strategy that enhances MBZUAI’s brand presence locally, regionally, and globally. Serving as a strategic partner, the Senior Events Specialist will develop cutting-edge Public Relations initiatives to captivate and attract world-class students and faculty to the university. Leveraging exceptional relationship-building skills, the Senior Events Specialist will foster strong ties with key external stakeholders, including government entities, industries, and other leading academic institutions, to amplify MBZUAI’s agenda and interests. Responsible for managing the university’s participation in high-profile events, the Senior Events Specialist will ensure seamless logistics and exceptional protocol services for VIP guests and visiting delegations. Collaborating closely with relevant divisions, the Senior Events Specialist will coordinate the development and maintenance of partnerships, faculty/student exchange programs, and alumni engagement initiatives, solidifying MBZUAI’s reputation as a globally renowned hub of excellence in research and academia.

Key Responsibilities:

1. 1- Strategic Events Leadership:
   • Develop and execute a comprehensive events strategy that aligns with MBZUAI’s overall Public Affairs and Alumni Relations and stakeholder engagement objectives.
   • Serve as a strategic partner to the Public Affairs & Alumni Relations leadership team, providing data-driven insights and recommendations to enhance the impact and reach of MBZUAI’s events.
   • Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and innovations in event management, and identify opportunities to elevate MBZUAI’s events portfolio.
   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between events, Public Affairs and Alumni Relations strategies.
2. 2- Event Planning and Execution:
   • Conceptualize, plan, and oversee a diverse range of high-profile events, including conferences, forums, alumni homecomings, networking sessions, and specialized workshops.
   • Manage end-to-end event logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, budgeting, and on-site coordination to ensure seamless, memorable experiences.
   • Develop comprehensive event plans, timelines, and communication strategies to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
   • Ensure that all events adhere to MBZUAI’s brand guidelines and visual identity.
   • Manage event budgets and optimize resource allocation to maximize the return on investment.
3. 3- Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Foster and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including university leadership, government entities, industry partners, and alumni.
   • Serve as the primary point of contact for event-related inquiries, feedback, and partnership opportunities.
   • Collaborate cross-functionally with various departments (e.g., marketing, communications, alumni relations) to align event activities and maximize synergies.
   • Develop and implement strategies to engage MBZUAI’s alumni network, fostering a sense of community and lifelong connection.
   • Represent MBZUAI at external events and networking opportunities to strengthen relationships and explore new partnership possibilities.
4. 4- Brand Enhancement and Visibility:
   • Develop and execute innovative public relations and promotional strategies to elevate the visibility and positioning of MBZUAI’s events, both locally and globally.
   • Collect and analyze event data to measure success, identify areas for improvement, and generate insights to enhance future event planning and execution.
   • Create high-quality event collateral, such as invitations, programs, and promotional materials, to align with MBZUAI’s brand identity.
   • Cultivate a positive event experience that reinforces MBZUAI’s reputation as a leading institution.
   • Conduct post-event evaluations and share learnings to inform the planning and execution of future events.
   • Explore new event formats, themes, and engagement strategies to keep MBZUAI’s events fresh and engaging
5. 5- Other Duties:
   • Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.

Academic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in event management, with a proven track record of planning and executing large-scale, high-profile events preferably in the higher education or academic research sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive event strategies that align with organizational goals and objectives.
• Exceptional project management skills, including budgeting, vendor management, and on-site coordination.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using event management software, CRM tools, and digital marketing platforms.
• Experience in managing event-related budgets and optimizing resource allocation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.