The Role
To provide support to all operational aspects and task-oriented projects within the Press & Publicity Department that requires good organizational skills and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Principal Accountabilities
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
• Lead the community outreach for both DIFF and GFF, serving as the primary liaison for key stakeholders in academic, diplomatic, cultural and other target groups in the UAE and in key markets.
• Research and monitor media and other sources for developments within target groups and to add to the DIFF/GFF master outreach database.
• Maintain contacts with key individuals at target organizations.
• Update accurate database for outreach purposes, including details of previous communications
• Play an active role in DIFF and GFF social media platforms, particularly posting in Arabic across platforms.
• Develop list of film titles in viewing library in conjunction with programme admin department and ensure proper numbers are returned in condition of receipt
MEDIA RELATIONS
• Monitor key media and build relationships with top-tier representatives in and around UAE (particularly Arabic)
• Maintain communication with invited media prior to and especially during their stay
• Manage media competition timeline, serve as primary DIFF/GFF liaison with media partners, other competition partners
• Liaise with programme admin department on publicity materials, requirements and interpretation as needed
• Prepare media handout materials including image CDs, DVDs of film trailers and media events calendar in addition to other collaterals
• Assist with sourcing information from Starbase/Datakal and developing spreadsheets for information use by PR agency
• Manage cheat sheets/summary documents submitted by programmers/liaisons
• Manage interview schedules and requests, working with PR agency
• Develop internal (staff) and external (media) briefing document with information on attending talent and contacts and overall media calendar of events
FESTIVAL ROLE
• Liaise with guest relations and programme admin department to develop itineraries for key guests/talent in attendance
• Coordinate with programme admin department and develop schedule for interpreters and ensure attendance at every required media event
• Assist with scheduling requests and the organization of special projects/events related to films that require media attendance
• Manage press clipping wall at Festival Headquarters with monitoring, PR agencies
• Manage press conference room schedule and ensure all AV requirements
• Coordinate and implement press conferences, events and other media related activities during Festival
• Celebrity portrait wall management and celebrity signature book
GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE:
• Assist with administrative tasks such as preparation and distribution of press packs; productions of hand out DVD’s and CD’s; manage excel sheets etc
• Assist with day to day PR functions including coordination with PR team and internal departments
• Work with box office department to obtain tickets for competition giveaways and ensure delivery to all participating media outlets
• To generally assist with any ad hoc tasks or additional assignments within reason, during the term of this Agreement in order to contribute to the success of the Festival
Requirements
• University degree with at least 1 year work experience in related industry (Media, advertising/PR agency or marketing).
• Good writing and communications skills
• Strong organizational and planning skills with a keen eye for details
• A good team player
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Energetic with strong drive for results
• Fluency in oral and written English language
• Fluency in Arabic (spoken mandatory, reading and writing an advantage)
• Knowledge of the UAE business environment is an advantage
• Good command in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and other MS Office programs
