Marketing and Communication Manager

Job description

About AKU-ISMC

The Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC) is a London-based research institute focused on understanding and engaging with important global issues affecting Muslim societies and communities.

Based at the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross, the Institute brings together scholars, researchers and partners from around the world to produce and share rigorous, interdisciplinary research on Muslim societies and cultures, both historically and in the contemporary world.

The Institute’s work centres on research and public engagement. This includes developing and supporting research projects, communicating academic work, convening scholars and experts, organising public events and discussions, building international partnerships, and making research accessible to wider audiences.

AKU-ISMC was established to make a distinctive contribution to the understanding of Muslim civilisations and to encourage informed perspectives on the concerns of contemporary societies. Today, the Institute is building on that foundation with a renewed focus on areas where it can make a distinctive contribution and achieve meaningful international impact.

Guided by Aga Khan University’s core principles of Impact, Quality, Relevance and Access (IQRA), AKU-ISMC aims to connect high-quality research with public debate and engagement, contributing informed and thoughtful perspectives on issues relating to Muslim contexts.

As part of Aga Khan University, an international institution with a presence across several regions, AKU-ISMC works with colleagues and partners across the University’s wider network while maintaining its distinctive role as a London-based centre for research, intellectual exchange and public engagement.

Introduction

The Marketing and Communications Manager will play a key role in strengthening AKU-ISMC’s profile, extending its reach and supporting its ambition to become a prominent international voice on issues relating to Muslim contexts.

The postholder will develop and implement strategic marketing and communications activity across digital and traditional channels, strengthening the Institute’s brand, visibility and engagement with key audiences.

Working closely with AKU-ISMC leadership, colleagues across Aga Khan University and external partners and suppliers, the successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with excellent writing, digital communications, relationship management and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications strategy aligned with organisational priorities and objectives.
• Manage and strengthen the organisation’s brand identity, ensuring consistency across all communications and marketing materials.
• Plan, develop, edit, and oversee high-quality content for websites, newsletters, reports, brochures, social media, press releases, presentations, and other communication channels.
• Lead digital marketing activities, including social media strategy, website content, email campaigns, and audience engagement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists, media organisations, partners, stakeholders, and other external audiences.
• Identify opportunities for media coverage and prepare press releases, media statements, briefing materials, and key messages.
• Support senior leadership with speeches, presentations, talking points, and strategic communications.
• Plan and deliver marketing campaigns that promote programmes, events, research, partnerships, and organisational achievements.
• Coordinate communications for events, conferences, campaigns, launches, and other institutional activities.
• Monitor media coverage, digital engagement, campaign performance, and communication trends, and provide reports and recommendations.
• Manage external suppliers, designers, photographers, videographers, agencies, and other communications partners where required.
• Ensure communications materials meet high editorial, branding, accessibility, and quality standards.
• Support internal communications and help strengthen engagement across teams and departments.
• Manage multiple communications projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.
• Contribute to crisis and reputation-management communications when required.
• Undertake other marketing and communications responsibilities in support of the organisation’s strategic goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Media, Business, or a related discipline. A relevant postgraduate qualification would be an advantage.
• Demonstrable professional experience in marketing, communications, public relations, media, or a related field.
• Strong experience developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong editing and proofreading ability.
• Experience producing high-quality content for different audiences and communication channels.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing, social media platforms, website management, and audience engagement.
• Experience managing media relations and developing press and publicity materials.
• Strong project-management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with senior leaders, colleagues, external partners, and diverse stakeholders.
• Strong judgment, creativity, initiative, and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyse communication and marketing performance and use insights to improve future activity.
• Experience working in an academic, research, healthcare, international development, or similar professional environment would be an advantage.
• Proficiency in relevant digital communications and office tools.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to ismc.personnel@aku.edu

Please use the subject line: Application – Marketing and Communications Manager.

Applications should clearly demonstrate how the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications meet the requirements of the position.