Director, Communications and Marketing (Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic)

Duty Station: University of Central Asia's Central Administration Office in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic (with travel to other UCA Offices)

Accountable to: The Rector (dotter line to Director, Advancement and Public Affairs)

Direct Reports: 5 Managers

Deadline: 31 May 2025

The University of Central Asia is seeking a Director, Communications and Marketing, to bring energy, strategic insight, and a results-oriented communications culture that amplifies and sustains trust in the value and impact of the university. A seasoned, collaborative leader and systems-thinker, you will lead a team of clever, curious communicators who work together to identify, implement, and evaluate evidence-based, inspiring, and sustainable communications and marketing solutions. You are relationship-oriented, courageous and resilient, and are known for making high-quality, informed decisions.

You are part of the university’s leadership team and report directly to the Rector. You uplift communications by ensuring it is integrated in all aspects of the university and by fostering a communicative culture underpinned by trust, professionalism, and a demonstrated commitment to the university’s vision. You listen carefully and invite diversity of opinion and knowledge to discern ideas, identify solutions, and make informed decisions. You respond to people and situations with calm and integrity. You are known in the region for leading impactful communications and marketing initiatives, for thriving in a fast-paced environment, and for your excellent, collaborative relationships with colleagues internally and externally.

Your key accountabilities at the University of Central Asia include:

· Leading and modeling best practice, impactful internal and external communications.

· Providing sound, responsive, and proactive counsel to senior leaders.

· Leading and practice effective, relationship-oriented stakeholder relations.

· Elevating communications to be integrated and strategic across the university.

· Cultivating a culture of trust and effective, open communication.

· Leading the communications and marketing team with integrity, offering mentorship and promoting subsidiarity.

· Demonstrating curiosity, growth, and collaboration in your own continuous learning and leadership development.

Outcomes of your leadership, expertise, and insights include:

· Strategic communications and marketing expertise at decision-making tables within the university.

· Creative, sustainable communications and marketing solutions including consistent, authentic positioning and brand.

· Evidence-based, robust, measurable assessment of the efficacy of communications and marketing initiatives.

· Trusted, meaningful connections and increased leadership visibility with stakeholders inside and outside the university including informal leaders and decision-makers.

· Well-informed, sound approaches and recommendations to addressing emerging issues.

· Strengthened and deepened communications competency among leaders in the university.

· Effective, multi-way communication flow within the university.

· Fulfilled, competent team of communications and marketing professionals who have agency in decision-making, understand the impact of their contributions, and use their skills and talents to the fullest.

· Wise use of financial resources.

The skills and expertise you offer include:

· A Master’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field.

· Minimum of ten years of experience with progressive communications and marketing experience in a complex organization, preferably in a university environment or in the not-for-profit sector.

· Demonstrated experience with high-risk, multi-stakeholder communications and marketing.

· Demonstrated experience making sense of complex issues and offering well-informed solutions.

· Proven experience leading and inspiring a team to be high functioning and fulfilled.

· Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative, measurable measurable communication and engagement strategies.

· Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms by demonstrating deep knowledge of communications and engagement with various audiences via media, channels and platforms.

· Strong knowledge of government processes, public policy, and regulatory environments of the region and the Founding States in particular.

· Demonstrated understanding of the function of advocacy in a university environment.

· Demonstrated experience in managing budgets for communication projects and initiatives, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with University’s strategic priorities.

· Excellent English and Russian is required and working knowledge of Kazak, Kyrgyz, or Tajik is preferred.

The University of Central Asia (UCA) is a one-of-a-kind institution formed through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and our Founding Chancellor, His Highness Aga Khan IV. UCA transcends borders in mountain communities, preparing individuals to be life-long learners who can adapt, grow, and thrive in a fast-changing world that is full of possibilities – many of them, illuminated by our leading-edge research. Our university creates spaces for curiosity and ideas to flourish and our work gives rise to sustainable, life-changing solutions in response to local, regional, and global challenges.