Executive Director of Communications (UAEN)

Mark Williams Recruitment; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 420,000 - 780,000; Full time

Job summary

Executive Director – Strategic Communications is sought by a leading Abu Dhabi government entity. This senior role shapes the organisation's strategic communications agenda, strengthens corporate reputation and ensures consistent, impactful messaging across internal and external audiences.

The successful candidate will report to the Director General, set the overall strategic direction, lead a high‑performing team and drive major programmes, events and stakeholder engagement with accountability

Qualifications

• 12+ years' experience in strategic communications, corporate communications, marketing or a closely related field.
• Proven experience leading a sizeable communications function within a complex organisation.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate strategy into high‑impact execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic capability would be advantageous.
• Gravitas and executive presence to operate at board/executive level.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for the communications function, translating organisational priorities into a clear and integrated communications strategy.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing communications team, establishing objectives and accountability.
• Oversee corporate communications, marketing, campaigns, events and stakeholder engagement activity.
• Develop clear communication frameworks, guidelines and a consistent organisational tone of voice across channels.
• Partner with senior leadership to communicate major programmes and organisational achievements.
• Ensure all communications reinforce the organisation's brand, reputation and priorities.
• Establish internal and external channels and oversee key corporate messaging.
• Lead planning and execution of high‑profile organisational events with internal teams and external agencies.
• Manage communications budgets and deploy resources against priorities.
• Develop governance frameworks to support a high‑quality communications function.
• Provide strategic reporting and insights to senior leadership to strengthen impact.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Budget management

Team development

Brand & reputation

Job description

Executive Director – Strategic Communications - Abu Dhabi | Government Entity | UAEN

Mark Williams is exclusively partnering with a leading Abu Dhabi government entity in the appointment of an Executive Director – Strategic Communications.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an accomplished communications professional to shape and lead the organisation’s strategic communications agenda, strengthen its corporate reputation and ensure consistent, impactful messaging across internal and external audiences.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Director General, the successful candidate will take overall responsibility for the strategic direction and performance of the communications function.

Key responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for the communications function, translating organisational priorities into a clear and integrated communications strategy.
• Lead and develop a high-performing communications team, establishing objectives, accountability and a strong culture of performance.
• Oversee corporate communications, marketing, campaigns, events and stakeholder engagement activity.
• Develop clear communication frameworks, guidelines and a consistent organisational tone of voice across all channels.
• Partner with senior leadership and internal functions to communicate major programmes, initiatives and organisational achievements.
• Ensure all communications activity reinforces the organisation's brand, reputation and strategic priorities.
• Establish strong internal and external communications channels and oversee the delivery of key corporate messaging.
• Lead the planning and execution of high-profile organisational events in partnership with internal teams and external agencies.
• Manage communications budgets and ensure resources are deployed effectively against strategic priorities.
• Develop policies, processes and governance frameworks that support a high-quality, consistent communications function.
• Provide regular strategic reporting and insight to senior leadership, identifying opportunities to strengthen communications impact and effectiveness.
• Build strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and ensure alignment across the wider organisation.

Candidate Profile

• 12+ years' professional experience across strategic communications, corporate communications, marketing, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven experience leading a sizeable communications function within a complex organisation.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with the ability to translate strategy into high‑impact execution.
• Demonstrable experience advising and partnering with senior executives and leadership teams.
• Strong understanding of corporate reputation, stakeholder communications, brand and integrated communications.
• Experience managing teams, budgets, agencies and multiple concurrent communications priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic capability would be highly advantageous.
• The gravitas, leadership capability and stakeholder management skills required to operate at executive level.

Seniority

UAEN candidates only

Executive leadership appointment (His/Her Excellency title)