Social Media Manager

Job description / Role

About the role

Our client, a leading live experiences agency in the region, is looking for a social media manager to lead digital storytelling and audience engagement for a large-scale cultural festival in the Al Dhafra region, Abu Dhabi. The role starts immediately and runs until the first week of January 2027. You will work from the client’s office in Dubai until early December, then be on site at the festival from 8 December 2026.

You will:

• Own the social media strategy and content plan across Instagram, TikTok and other key platforms
• Lead content creation and publishing before, during and after the festival
• Deliver live, real-time coverage from the event
• Manage influencer collaborations to extend reach

This is a hands-on, fast-paced role. You will work closely with designers, videographers, influencers and internal teams to produce high-quality content that is on brand and connects with audiences.

This is a senior role, but it is hands-on. You will plan the strategy and also be on the ground capturing, editing and posting content in real time.

Key responsibilities

Strategy and planning

• Develop and manage a social media strategy and content plan across platforms.
• Ensure all content follows brand guidelines, tone of voice and campaign objectives.
• Identify and act on trends and opportunities to keep content fresh and relevant.

Content creation and live coverage

• Lead the creation and publishing of reels, stories and behind-the-scenes content.
• Capture and post content in real time during activations and the live event.
• Collaborate with designers, videographers and internal teams to produce content.

Community, influencers and reporting

• Engage with the online community, responding to comments and driving interaction.
• Manage influencer collaborations and partnerships to amplify reach.
• Track performance and provide insights, reports and recommendations.
• Support content approvals, scheduling and publishing workflows.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in social media management for brands, agencies or live experiences
• Proven experience across Instagram, TikTok and other key platforms
• Strong understanding of content creation, video formats and platform trends
• Experience managing real-time content and live campaign coverage
• Strong writing and captioning skills
• Based in the UAE or open to relocation

Ideal background

• Experience on large-scale campaigns, events or brand activations is a strong advantage
• Strong understanding of regional digital trends and audience behaviour is a strong advantage
• Experience managing influencers and content creators
• Ability to shoot and edit content on mobile or in quick-turn formats

Languages

• English: fluent, spoken and written, required
• Arabic: fluent, spoken and written, required

Working conditions

• Full-time project contract: immediate start until the first week of January 2027
• Office-based: client office in Dubai until early December
• On site in the Al Dhafra region, Abu Dhabi: 8 December 2026 to the first week of January 2027
• Location: based in the UAE or open to relocation
• Event schedule: flexible to work evenings, weekends and live event hours