Job Description

About IAAPA

IAAPA is the global association for the attractions industry. Our purpose is to bring the global attractions family together and our mission is to inspire, grow, and protect the industry through member connections.

IAAPA represents the diverse and ever-changing attractions industry. For over a century, IAAPA has connected companies of all sizes and people of all levels to provide meaningful experiences for their guests around the world.

IAAPA hosts global events and conferences that provide a showcase for innovation, support trade, and facilitate the sharing of best practices. We also provide valuable tools and resources that make member businesses smarter, safer, and more profitable while delivering guest experiences that delight and provide memories that last a lifetime.

Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions; manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants; and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members own and operate a variety of location-based entertainment venues and attractions including amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, and cultural and natural attractions.

Opportunity Overview:

Each year IAAPA hosts three expos in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. As our membership grows, we are expanding into other regions of the world, including the Middle East.

With a planned launch in 2026, IAAPA Expo Middle East will bring qualified amusement park and attraction buyers from throughout the Middle East and worldwide to source the latest products and services to move their business forward.

The Manager, Marketing and Communication Middle East is primarily focused on marketing all IAAPA EMEA activities in the Middle East region: membership, education, events and other products and services.

We are seeking for someone who can deliver 360 campaigns, from planning to execution, with the motivation and strong work ethic required to work autonomously in a small team. The ideal candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit, the drive to further develop our brand awareness in Middle East and at least 10 years' experience in the region. Flexibility is essential, as well as being a team player and connecting with different departments. The successful candidate will have proven track record of success in marketing and communication, demonstrate the ability to prioritize multiple projects while paying meticulous attention to complex details, meeting deadlines and performing well under pressure. A strong understanding of the importance of customer service and the ability to provide superior service is essential. We are looking for someone who thrives in an international team environment and can manage large volumes of work within tight deadlines.

We offer an attractive salary package with a range of benefits. Our organization provides excellent opportunities for learning and development in an international work environment, along with a flexible work regime that includes an optional hybrid format.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Promote IAAPA membership in the region Develop and execute marketing plans to support IAAPA Expo Middle East and any regional events in collaboration and alignment with both EMEA VP and HQ-based CMO Ensure the execution of any type of campaign (digital or printed) from brief to completion Work closely with agencies and trade partners to execute campaigns to promote Expos and events Measure the effectiveness of all marketing activities to refine approach Execute a wide variety of marketing activities including creative development, advertising, direct mail, email, newsletter, promotion, and social media to achieve goal Collaborate on finding a local PR agency (if needed) and coordinate the PR campaign with HQ-based Communication Director Manage and maintain Marketing Database - Salesforce Marketing Cloud; research and develop new marketing data contacts Manage and oversee all Middle East content on IAAPA website for all programs, services, and regional events, including IAAPA Middle East Expo Manage and post content on EMEA social media channels relevant to Middle East audiences Support physical and digital signage approval process for Expos (Europe and Middle East) and regional events Serve as the key contact for communication with marketing agency for Middle East region Coordinate IAAPA Middle East Expo post-show reports (internal and extended) Ensure compliance to GDPR and all other legal/regulatory guidelines related to marketing in the MEA region. Collect and assist in the preparation of the IAAPA Expo Middle East 'What's New Video" Support research programs related to Middle East audience: market penetration studies, safety reports, and more. Other duties as assigned

Qualification, Knowledge, Skills Required:

Bachelor's degree in marketing or communications Three to five years' experience in association and/or event marketing. Proven track record of success in marketing association programs and/or trade shows. Extensive experience in all aspects of developing and maintaining marketing strategies to meet association goals and objectives. Proven ability to oversee all marketing, advertising, and promotional vendors and activities. Strong knowledge of the Middle East market - minimum 6 years+ experience in the region Strong team-player with a positive, flexible, initiative-taking, and professional demeanor Keen ability to prioritize, multitasking, meet strict deadlines, and make productive use of time under pressure while being detail oriented Strong project management and organizational skills Ability to anticipate problems and opportunities and the initiative to follow through quickly and independently Interest for and/or experience from the attractions industry Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic Proficient in Microsoft Office. Experience with Salesforce, Marketing Cloud, Fonteva, Sharepoint, HTML, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, is a plus Travel and flexibility required Ability to work weekends and after hours during busy periods

What's in for you?

An attractive salary package that supports your role and responsibilities 25 working days annual leave Additional benefits such as bonus eligible, medical insurance (employee only); participation in tuition fees; reimbursement of mobile phone subscription (up to 300 AED per month) Flexible work regime: minimum 2 to 3 days at our office in Dubai - the other days you can work from home or at the office * Good opportunities to learn and develop while working in an international work environment where we celebrate team wins and support a collaborative mindset to the fullest