Impact Partner

Position Summary

The Strategic Initiatives at KAUST is established to drive high-impact, cross-functional projects and programs that align with the university's mission and strategic priorities. This new function aligns with KAUST's strategic vision, which prioritizes innovation, agility, and impactful outcomes in higher education. The creation of Strategic Initiatives underscores a commitment to enhancing KAUST's standing in both global and KSA higher education through transformative academic programming, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic partnerships.

The Strategic Initiatives team plays a key role in supporting KAUST departments and the Leadership team with key projects and priorities, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, and driving the successful execution of initiatives that embody the university's broader strategic vision.

The Impact Partner role is instrumental in amplifying KAUST's research, education, and societal contributions. This role involves crafting compelling narratives and producing high-quality content that showcases the university's achievements, groundbreaking discoveries, and real-world impact. Additionally, the Impact Partner provides coaching and guidance to faculty and researchers, empowering them to communicate their work effectively and maximize their influence.

Major Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with faculty to develop engaging narratives that showcase their research breakthroughs, academic endeavors, and contributions to KAUST's mission.
2. Translate complex scientific concepts into accessible language for diverse audiences, including industry leaders, government entities, and the public.
3. Working closely with GBC, develop and produce high-impact articles and multimedia content that highlight the real-world applications and societal impact of KAUST's research.
4. Working closely with GBC, develop content for KAUST publications, websites, press releases, and social media platforms.
5. Work closely with the Strategic Initiatives team to align narratives with institutional priorities and strategic goals.
6. Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and thought leadership pieces that communicate KAUST's vision and accomplishments to stakeholders.
7. Identify opportunities to strengthen the university's reputation, rankings, and global influence through strategic programs.
8. Identify/collect narratives and opportunities to position KAUST as a leader in niche areas.
9. Act as a liaison between researchers, the Strategic Initiatives team, and the Communications department to ensure cohesive messaging.
10. Monitor global trends in university and research funder impact strategies to adopt best practices and maintain KAUST's competitive edge.
11. Provide coaching and guidance to faculty and researchers on how to craft their own compelling stories for academic, industry, and public audiences.

Personal Requirements

Competencies

1. Ability to understand complex scientific concepts and translate them into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
2. Knowledge of key research areas at KAUST.
3. Proficiency in creating high-quality, engaging content tailored to academic, industry, and public audiences.
4. Strong editing skills to refine and polish research-driven stories and articles.
5. Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with faculty, researchers, and stakeholders.
6. Flexibility to adapt storytelling approaches for different audiences and platforms.
7. Awareness of global trends in science communication, higher education, and impact policies and strategies to ensure relevance and competitiveness.

Qualifications

1. PhD in a relevant scientific field (e.g., STEM disciplines, Science Communication) to ensure the ability to understand and translate complex research effectively.
2. Exceptional writing and editing skills with a strong portfolio of published work (e.g., articles, case studies, multimedia content).
3. Familiarity with higher education institutions, scientific publishing, and global trends in research communication.

Experience

1. 6+ years of experience in science writing, journalism, or research communication, preferably in higher education or research institutions ideally in an impact role.
2. Experience working closely with researchers and faculty to craft and promote their work for academic, industry, and public audiences.