Account Director, Corporate Communications

Daniel J Edelman Holdings; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consultancy in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Account Director to lead financial communications strategies for investment-focused clients. The role involves managing complex client relationships, guiding teams through regulatory challenges, and delivering high-impact counsel. Ideal candidates will have 6-8 years of relevant experience and strong knowledge of the GCC market dynamics. This position also offers the chance to mentor junior staff and contribute to organic growth within existing accounts.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years of experience in financial communications, investor relations, or investment banking.
• Strong understanding of GCC market dynamics and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to write and communicate complex financial information clearly.
• Experience advising on transactions and financial calendar events.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated communications strategies for investment-focused clients.
• Serve as a trusted advisor for key clients delivering timely counsel.
• Manage deliverables including financial announcements and media strategies.
• Guide clients on disclosure obligations and regulatory communications.
• Collaborate with colleagues globally for integrated solutions.
• Build and mentor high-performing teams.

Skills

Financial communications

Investor relations

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

C-suite engagement

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Smithfield Edelmans dedicated financial communications and capital markets advisory arm is looking for an experienced Account Director to join our growing team in Abu Dhabi. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a leading global consultancy at the intersection of finance communications reputation and influence. We partner with some of the regions most prominent financial institutions investment entities listed companies and sovereign stakeholders supporting them across capital markets advisory transactions corporate positioning and regulatory communications. If you are a strategic thinker with deep financial fluency and a passion for delivering high-impact board-level counsel we love to hear from you.

Who you are:

• A confident and thoughtful advisor with a solid grounding in financial and corporate communications.
• Adept at managing complex client relationships developing high-stakes narratives and leading cross-functional teams.
• Passionate about helping clients navigate reputational opportunities and risks especially in investment capital markets and financial services contexts.

What Youll Do:

• Lead integrated communications strategies for investment-focused and capital markets clients including IPOs M&As investor relations ESG and financial calendar activity.
• Serve as a senior point of contact and trusted advisor for key clients delivering timely insightful and commercially relevant counsel.
• Manage and oversee the execution of deliverables including financial announcements messaging frameworks investor presentations and media strategies.
• Guide clients through complex issues including disclosure obligations regulatory comms and stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborate with Edelman and Smithfield colleagues across the region and globally to bring integrated multidisciplinary solutions.
• Build and mentor high-performing teams; coach junior talent with empathy and clarity.
• Drive organic growth by identifying new opportunities within existing accounts and supporting new business initiatives.

What Were Looking For:

• 68 years experience in financial communications investor relations investment banking capital markets or related professional services.
• Strong understanding of GCC market dynamics and regional regulatory frameworks (e.g. ADX DFM Tadawul).
• Experience advising on transactions (IPO M&A restructuring) and financial calendar events (results AGMs guidance).
• Proven ability to write and communicate clearly especially when distilling complex financial or regulatory information.
• Confidence in working directly with C-suite leaders legal and IR teams bankers and advisors.
• Fluency in English is essential; Arabic language skills are highly advantageous.

Why Edelman Smithfield:

• At Edelman we believe in the power of trust. As part of our Smithfield practice you’ll be part of a global team with deep financial expertise and a shared commitment to insight-driven communications. We’re invested in your growth your ideas and your voice.
• We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels heard respected and empowered to contribute.

Required Experience: Director