JOB DESCRIPTION | Engagement Strategist
Job Purpose
The Engagement Strategist is responsible for designing insight-led engagement strategies that turn sustainability, social impact and organisational objectives into meaningful audience action.
The role leads the development of audience-centred approaches by identifying who needs to be reached, understanding what motivates different audiences, and designing programmes, campaigns and community initiatives that move people from awareness and interest to participation and action.
Working closely with the Director, Strategy & Impact and the wider Strategy, Creative, Production and Community teams, the Engagement Strategist ensures that all engagement activity is evidence-based, culturally relevant and aligned with strategic objectives, delivering measurable outcomes for clients, communities and stakeholders across the UAE.
Strategy & Engagement
· Design audience-led engagement strategies that support client objectives and drive measurable behaviour change.
· Translate research, insights and strategic priorities into practical engagement approaches that resonate with different audiences.
· Identify behavioural barriers, audience motivations and opportunities to increase participation and engagement.
· Develop strategic recommendations that inform campaigns, community initiatives and stakeholder engagement programmes.
· Identify emerging trends, opportunities and innovative approaches to strengthen engagement outcomes.
Audience Insight & Research
· Lead audience mapping, stakeholder analysis and behavioural insight activities for client projects.
· Conduct research to understand audience needs, motivations, attitudes and cultural considerations.
· Apply evidence-based methodologies to inform programme development and engagement strategies.
· Use qualitative and quantitative insights to shape recommendations and measure programme effectiveness.
Programme Design & Facilitation
· Design community engagement programmes, workshops, learning experiences and stakeholder engagement activities.
· Develop facilitation materials, engagement frameworks and programme content.
· Facilitate workshops, focus groups, consultations and engagement sessions with diverse audiences.
· Ensure engagement activities are inclusive, culturally relevant and aligned with desired outcomes.
Client Engagement & Strategic Advisory
· Lead discovery sessions to understand client objectives, audiences and engagement challenges.
· Present strategic recommendations, engagement plans and audience insights to clients and stakeholders.
· Build trusted relationships with clients, partners and community organisations.
· Provide strategic guidance throughout programme development to ensure engagement objectives remain central to delivery.
Creative Collaboration
· Develop strategic briefs that translate engagement objectives into clear direction for Creative and Production teams.
· Work closely with designers, filmmakers, writers and producers to ensure creative outputs align with audience needs and strategic objectives.
· Review concepts and provide strategic input throughout campaign development.
Measurement & Evaluation
· Develop frameworks to measure engagement, participation and behaviour change.
· Monitor programme performance using qualitative and quantitative data.
· Analyse findings and prepare reports that demonstrate outcomes, impact and recommendations for continuous improvement.
· Capture lessons learned and apply insights to future programmes.
Business Development & Innovation
· Contribute strategic insight to proposals, presentations and client pitches.
· Identify opportunities to strengthen existing client relationships through innovative engagement solutions.
· Support the development of new engagement products, services and programme ideas.
· Ensure engagement strategies are commercially viable and aligned with organisational priorities.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
· Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated client solutions.
· Share knowledge, behavioural insight and best practice across the organisation.
· Contribute to the ongoing development of engagement methodologies, tools and frameworks.
· Maintain awareness of emerging trends in community engagement, behaviour change, audience insight and participation.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Essential
· Bachelor's degree in Social Science, Behavioural Science, Psychology, Communications, Public Policy, Marketing, Environmental Science, Sustainability or a related discipline.
· Minimum of six years' experience in community engagement, stakeholder engagement, behaviour change, communications, social impact or a related field.
· Demonstrated experience designing engagement programmes, campaigns or initiatives that have delivered measurable outcomes.
· Strong understanding of audience segmentation, behavioural insight and engagement strategy.
· Experience facilitating workshops, consultations and stakeholder engagement activities.
· Excellent presentation, communication and relationship management skills.
· Ability to translate research and complex information into engaging, audience-focused programmes.
· Strong analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.
· Fluent in Arabic and English, with the ability to facilitate workshops and engagement sessions confidently in both languages.
· Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
· Commercial awareness with an understanding of client needs and value creation.
Desirable
· Master's degree in a relevant discipline.
· Background in behavioural science, psychology, sociology, social research or public engagement.
· Experience working with government entities, NGOs, educational institutions or community organisations.
· Knowledge of sustainability, environmental or social impact initiatives.
· Experience developing engagement programmes for schools, youth, employees or community audiences.
· Experience working within consultancy, communications, strategy or public affairs environments.
Personal Attributes
· Passionate about creating meaningful community impact and positive behaviour change.
· Curious and people-focused, with a genuine interest in understanding different audiences and communities.
· Strategic thinker who can connect research, insight and engagement into practical solutions.
· Creative and innovative, with the ability to generate fresh ideas and approaches.
· Confident facilitator with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
· Collaborative, adaptable and comfortable working across multidisciplinary teams.
· Commercially aware while remaining purpose-driven.
· Highly organised with strong attention to detail and accountability.
Committed to continuous learning, innovation and professional development