Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) was founded in September 2019 to serve as the driver of research and innovation in the digital sphere of Kazakhstan with the focus on AI research. 

ISSAI aims to develop a national capacity for research in Artificial Intelligence incorporating the experience of exemplars from Asia, Europe and the United States.

ISSAI provides an agile framework for research, innovation and collaboration with national and international partners in education, industry and government and contributes to the digital ecosystem of Kazakhstan in the advancement of national development goals.

Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (issai.nu.edu.kz) is seeking a proactive and dynamic External Relations Manager to strengthen and expand our external partnerships and stakeholder engagement. This role is ideal for an energetic, results-driven professional with at least one year of experience in External Relations who thrives on building relationships and representing an organization with confidence and enthusiasm.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement external relations strategies aligned with organizational goals;

• Build, maintain, and expand relationships with key external stakeholders, partners, sponsors, institutions, and media representatives;

• Responsible for media relations, including coordination of interviews, press releases, and public communications;

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies; identify and pursue funding opportunities;

• Initiate, negotiate, and manage sponsorship agreements and partnership collaborations;

• Organize and represent the organization at meetings, events, conferences, and networking functions;

• Plan and oversee the organization of external events, partnership events, and stakeholder engagement activities;

• Identify new engagement opportunities and proactively pursue strategic partnerships;

• Prepare presentations, briefing materials, partnership proposals, and sponsorship packages;

• Coordinate cross-departmentally to ensure consistent external messaging and alignment of outreach activities.

Requirements

• Minimum one year of professional experience in External Relations, partnership management, public affairs, communications, or a related field;

• Strong interpersonal and networking skills;

• Proactive, self-motivated, and results-oriented mindset;

• Extroverted personality with strong communication and presentation skills;

• Ability to confidently represent the organization at external events;

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;

• Strong organizational and stakeholder management skills;

• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Communications, Public Administration, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree is an asset);

• Fluency in Kazakh, English, and Russian.

• We Are Looking For Someone Who Is:

• Energetic and people-oriented;

• Comfortable initiating conversations and building new relationships;

• Strategic yet hands-on;

• Able to work independently and take ownership of projects;

• Adaptable and confident in fast-paced environments;

What We Offer

• Opportunity to build high-level partnerships;

• Professional growth in a dynamic environment;

• Competitive compensation package;

• Exposure to diverse stakeholders and industries