Manager Communications - Department of Student Services

Job Description

Communication Support for the Department’s Areas of Activity:

1) Participates in the development and implementation of the Department's communication strategy aimed at increasing recognition, engagement, and trust among students and other stakeholders.

2) Promotes the mission, values, and services of the Department through various communication channels, including digital, print, and event-based formats.

3) Plans and implements integrated marketing campaigns in support of the Department’s initiatives.

4) Develops and updates key messages, positioning, and visual identity of the Department in alignment with the University’s brand standards.

5) Advises the Department’s leadership and staff on communication-related matters.

Operational Management of Communication Channels:

1) Manages the Department’s electronic platforms: the official page on the University’s corporate website, the student portal, and internal information resources.

2) Maintains and moderates official social media accounts (Instagram, Telegram, etc.), including content posting, launching advertising campaigns, and audience interaction.

3) Ensures translation and content adaptation into Kazakh, Russian, and English.

4) Organizes the distribution of informational and promotional materials about the Department’s activities through internal and external channels.

Content and Visual Communications:

1) Develops written and visual content for publications, including press releases, articles, posts, infographics, and videos.

2) Conducts photo and video coverage of Department events, including editing and formatting of materials.

3) Prepares presentations, newsletters, and printed publications, ensuring quality control of layout and printing processes.

4) Supports the Department's participation in the preparation of annual reports and corporate presentations.

Analytics and Performance Evaluation:

1) Analyzes the effectiveness of the Department’s communication channels and provides recommendations for improvement.

2) Prepares analytical reports and presentations on the results of the Department’s communication and marketing activities.

3) Monitors student publications on social media, as well as results of annual student surveys focusing on the perception of the Department’s work.

4) Prepares reports on targeted campaigns, events, and assignments within their area of responsibility.

Audience Engagement and Outreach:

1) Collaborates with internal University units and external organizations on publications, content, joint projects, and events.

2) Participates in outreach events aimed at engaging students in University life and promoting a positive image of the Department.

3) Conducts interviews with representatives of target audiences and prepares thematic publications based on gathered materials.

4) Provides communication support for student-led initiatives and informs students about available opportunities and services offered by the Department.

Support for Internal Processes and Events:

1) Participates in the organization of internal Department events aimed at building team culture (e.g., teambuilding activities, internal meetings).

2) Provides methodological and consultative support to Department staff on matters related to communication, promotion, and corporate standards.

3) Provides administrative support for the processes of contract execution and monitoring, including records management related to acts, invoices, and other event documentation.

4) Provides support to the immediate supervisor on administrative matters and in research activities.

5) Maintains records and monitors the implementation of administrative assignments, documenting progress and preparing reports for Department leadership.

Qualifications

Education requirements (level, field, licenses, professional certifications, etc.):

Higher professional education in the fields of educational management, management, linguistics, marketing, and/or public relations. Possession of professional certificates in areas relevant to this position will be an advantage.

Work experience requirements: 

1) At least 3 years of successful work experience in the relevant field;

2) At least 1 year of work experience with a Master's degree in the relevant field.

Additional Information

Knowledge, skills, and competencies requirements: 

Knowledge:

1) Knowledge of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the fields of education, culture, youth policy, and public communications;

2) Understanding of the educational system and student life in North American and UK universities (including practices of student engagement, club activity, and event-based learning);

3) Knowledge of modern approaches to organizing extracurricular, cultural, and educational activities for students in an academic environment;

4) Proficiency in basic and advanced features of MS Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), as well as digital platforms for visual content creation and communication;

5) Knowledge of marketing strategies, digital communications, content marketing, SMM, storytelling, and university branding;

6) Familiarity with the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the status of Nazarbayev University, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, and Nazarbayev Fund", as well as other legislative and regulatory acts in the field of higher education.

Skills:

1) Project and change management skills, including planning, launching, and implementing extracurricular initiatives, campaigns, and events;

2) Skills in preparing presentations, visual materials, and public speaking for various audiences (students, administration, external partners);

3) Proficiency in working with graphic editors for creating visual and multimedia content;

4) Writing skills for different complexity levels – from SMM posts and emails to conceptual documents and PR strategies;

5) Content management skills, calendar planning of publications, moderation, and communication across various digital platforms.

Competences:

1) Ability to develop and implement long-term communication strategies and media plans in support of university initiatives;

2) Ability to work effectively with diverse audiences: students, faculty, parents, external organizations, and the media;

3) Competence in content planning, social media management (SMM), engagement analysis, and content adaptation for target groups;

4) Ability to build communications aligned with the department's operational and strategic goals, including through innovative formats and approaches;

5) Initiative and ability to generate ideas and launch non-standard formats for promotion and engagement;

6) Facilitation and moderation skills;

7) Skills in developing communication policies or internal communication standards.

Language requirements: 

Fluent in Kazakh, Russian, and English for effective business correspondence, documentation, analytical materials, interaction with students and other structural departments, consultants, and partners

Recruitment and selection process

Recruitment and selection at Nazarbayev University include preliminary selection based on experience and qualifications, followed by assessments and formal interviews. Formal interviews are typically based on organizational values and behaviors and conducted in English.