Internal Communications Manager

At Cognita, we are united by one common purpose: to enable our community to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. As a global leader in education, we’re on a mission to redefine the future of learning, and we are seeking an experienced Internal Communications Manager.

Based in Dubai, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading and delivering clear, consistent, and impactful internal communications across Cognita Middle East. Working closely with the Regional Leadership Team, Central Marketing, Group Communications, and other key stakeholders, this role ensures that all internal messaging supports Cognita’s vision, values, and strategic goals.

The Internal Communications Manager will own and manage the regional intranet as the main hub for communication between the central office and schools. They will oversee all communications from the central team to school teams, driving internal engagement across the regional team.

What you’ll do

Strategic Communication Planning and Delivery

• Develop and deliver internal communication strategies and campaigns that align with regional business objectives.

• Act as the regional lead for Cognita’s intranet and employee experience platform, managing functionality, adoption, and content best practices.

• Provide strategic oversight and coordination of communication channels (“air traffic control”) across the region and with Group Communications.

• Support change initiatives with thoughtful, inclusive communication plans that drive engagement and behavioural alignment.

Intranet Ownership and Management

• Manage and evolve the regional intranet as a vibrant, accessible platform for central and school teams.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to curate content, drive adoption, and maintain up-to-date and relevant information.

• Engage and support intranet champions and content contributors across schools

Internal Regional Communications

• Develop and manage internal newsletters, announcements, and updates across the regional team.

• Work with senior leaders to increase visibility, share updates, and build a connected regional culture.

• Collaborate with the Central Marketing Team to ensure consistency in messaging, align internal and external communications, and amplify strategic priorities across channels.

• Identify and share success stories and content from across the business to highlight excellence and foster belonging.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Regional Leadership Team on communication strategies and messaging.

• Build strong relationships with Group Communications and other regional comms leads.

• Coordinate with IT and other departments to ensure platform functionality supports communication goals.

Measurement and Continuous Improvement

• Track and report on communication effectiveness and engagement levels.

• Use insights and feedback to optimise content, channels, and delivery.

• Curate and amplify user-generated content to promote collaboration and showcase achievements.

• Contribute to best practice sharing and continuous improvement with global comms peers.

What we’re looking for

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or industry recognised qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in internal communications, preferably within a regional or global organisation.

• Middle East regional experience would be an advantage.

• Proven track record of working autonomously and managing stakeholder relationships at all levels.

Skills and Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement communication strategies that align with business objectives.

• Excellent Writing and Editing: Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to detail.

• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Project Management: Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Change Management: Experience in supporting change management initiatives through effective communication and engagement.

• Tech Savvy: Proficiency in using communication tools and platforms, including intranets, employee experience platforms, and social media.

• Agency Management: Confident in briefing and managing outputs through agencies, freelancers and other third parties.

• Event Management: Experienced in designing and delivering engaging virtual and in-person events, aligned to business priorities and goals.

• Creative Delivery: Experience designing, producing and editing content across a variety of media.

Personal Attributes

• Autonomous: Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Adaptable: Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities and business needs.

• Proactive: Takes initiative and anticipates communication needs before they arise.

• Empathetic: Understands and considers the perspectives and needs of employees and stakeholders.

• Creative: Innovative thinker who can develop engaging and original communication strategies and content.

• Commercially Astute: Strong understanding of business operations and the ability to align communication strategies with commercial objectives and priorities.

If you are driven by challenge and aspire to make a lasting impact, we invite you to apply and be a key player in shaping the future of Cognita Middle East.

Cognita is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.