Senior PR Manager

Company Description

Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) was founded in September 2019 to serve as the driver of research and innovation in the digital sphere of Kazakhstan with the focus on AI research. 

ISSAI aims to develop a national capacity for research in Artificial Intelligence incorporating the experience of exemplars from Asia, Europe and the United States.

ISSAI provides an agile framework for research, innovation and collaboration with national and international partners in education, industry and government and contributes to the digital ecosystem of Kazakhstan in the advancement of national development goals.

Job Description

Senior PR manager performs the following duties and responsibilities:

1. participation in the design and implementation of the PR strategy of the Private Institution “Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence” (Institute); 

2. participation in the implementation of the content and/or media plan of the Institute; 

3. planning PR campaigns locally and abroad (press conferences, outreach seminars, special PR events with local/international industrial/scientific partners, seminars, conferences, expos);

4. building relationships with the media community to promote the Institute’s brand; 

5. assistance in increasing the brand awareness of the Institute, its activities and research programs locally and abroad;

6. assistance in carrying out activities by the structural divisions aimed at increasing the brand awareness of the Institute;

7. building strategic communications with the PR agencies on ongoing partners of the Institute, with service providers within his/her competencies;

8. participate in budget planning for PR products and services within the competencies of the Institute;

9. media landscape monitoring and anticrisis management

10. supervision of the creation of modern PR products

11. creation of content for social media and website of ISSAI (Linkedin, Instagram, Youtube);

12. maintain the corporate email;

13. organization of events where the Institute is an organizer;

14. interaction with the PR office of Nazarbayev University (NU);

15. organizational and administrative support of Research Programs of ISSAI.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, International Relations, or a related field.
• Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in public relations, corporate communications, media relations, strategic communications, or related fields.
• Proven experience managing PR activities for research institutions, technology organizations, higher education institutions, or innovation-focused organizations.
• Experience developing and implementing communication strategies that enhance organizational reputation, visibility, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated success in securing media coverage and establishing relationships with local and international media representatives.
• Experience managing communications related to high-profile events, announcements, partnerships, and crisis situations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Fluency in Kazakh, Russian, and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of public relations, marketing, journalism, and corporate communications principles and practices.
• Understanding of project management and change management methodologies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), visualization tools, and Canva.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to prepare analytical reports, briefing notes, and communication materials.
• Experience in developing and delivering presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
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Additional Information

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Opportunities for professional growth and training.

• A collaborative and innovative work culture.

• Health insurance and other benefits.