Brand Communications Manager (Sponsorships)

JOB TITLE: Brand Communications Manager (Sponsorships)

LOCATION: Abu Dhabi

CONTRACT TYPE: 6-month secondment with the potential to go full-time, permanent

REPORTING TO: VP, Sponsorship

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Our client is seeking a Brand Communications Manager to be responsible for developing and delivering the brand and communications strategy for the sponsorship portfolio. This role ensures that all sponsorship-related communications across PR, marketing, digital, and social channels consistently reflect the Company’s brand values, enhance visibility, and drive meaningful engagement with target audiences.

This role will transform the Company’s sponsorship portfolio into a cohesive storytelling platform that supports brand awareness, reputation, and community connection.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy Development

Develop the overarching brand and communications strategy for the sponsorship portfolio, aligning with corporate brand and marketing objectives.

Define key narratives, communication priorities, and messaging frameworks that guide sponsorship communications across all events and channels.

Build an annual communications plan that integrates sponsorship activities into the broader marketing and brand calendar.

Integrated Campaigns and Activation

Plan and deliver 360° integrated communications campaigns for sponsorships including PR, marketing, digital, and social.

Oversee communications and content for major sports sponsorships such as the Abu Dhabi Marathon and Formula 1, ensuring alignment across all platforms.

Manage creative agencies and partners to deliver impactful campaigns, activations, and media content.

Content and Storytelling

Develop and manage an “always-on” communications approach that builds engagement throughout the year, not just during event periods.

Oversee the creation of compelling content for PR, social, and digital channels that amplifies presence and impact.

Ensure brand consistency and quality across all sponsorship communication materials.

Performance and Evaluation

Establish KPIs and measurement frameworks to assess sponsorship communications performance.

Track, evaluate, and report on campaign effectiveness, audience engagement, and ROI.

Use insights and analytics to refine strategy and improve future campaigns.

Stakeholder Management

Collaborate with internal stakeholders across Brand, Corporate Communications, Marketing, and CSR to ensure integrated messaging and alignment.

Work with external partners, event organisers, and rights holders to coordinate joint communications and media opportunities.

Act as a brand guardian for sponsorship-related communication activities.

Other Duties

Keep abreast of global trends in sponsorship communications, digital engagement, and sports marketing.

Support the VP, Sponsorship, on strategic projects or initiatives as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Media, or related field; Master’s preferred.

8–10 years of experience in brand communications, PR, or marketing, with exposure to sports, sponsorship, or large-scale events.

Strong background in integrated campaign management across PR, marketing, digital, and social.

Proven ability to develop brand communication strategies and content that drive measurable impact.

Experience managing external agencies and cross-functional stakeholders.

Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills.

Experience working within large organisations; UAE/GCC experience preferred.

ABOUT ACORN STRATEGY

Voted Large Agency of the Year and winner of multiple international awards, Acorn Strategy is a full-service communications consultancy with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Melbourne, Perth, and London, and an ever-expanding client roster. We are an integrated marketing, public relations, and digital consultancy that delivers sharp, agile, and creative strategies to help grow our clients’ business.

OUR CULTURE

We understand that our success depends on recruiting and retaining the highest quality individuals. We have created an environment for people to grow and learn through a culture that empowers creativity, innovation, and professionalism. The core values we live by are collaboration, agility, bravery, curiosity, and growth.

OUR PEOPLE

Over the years we have come to realise that although each of our team members are unique, we each share a series of personal traits that have successfully linked us culturally as a team and as an agency at large. 

ACORN STRATEGY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to creating and building a respectful and empowering environment. We aim to create an inclusive workplace that supports our diversity and increases our potential to produce work that better represents and resonates with the world around us.