Head of Communications

Melbury Wood; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent organization in Abu Dhabi seeks a Head of Corporate Communications to enhance and protect its reputation. This strategic role involves developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies, media relations, and crisis management while leading a high-performing team. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in corporate communications and a proven track record in stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10–15 years in senior-level corporate communications roles.
• Exceptional media relations experience with established contacts.
• Demonstrated success in leading integrated communication strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of corporate communications strategy.
• Oversee digital communications and media relations.
• Manage crisis communications and reputation risk.

Skills

Media Relations

Stakeholder Management

Crisis Management

Digital Strategy

Corporate Reputation

Job description

Our client is seeking a Head of Corporate Communications to lead the strategic development and execution of their global and regional communications agenda. This pivotal role is instrumental in shaping, protecting, and elevating the company’s corporate reputation, aligning all communications initiatives with the organisation’s mission, values, and long-term strategic priorities. You will drive an integrated approach across media relations, executive positioning, crisis and reputation, digital engagement, and internal communications. Regional expertise and deep media relationships within the UAE and wider region are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Corporate Communications:

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive global and regional corporate communications strategy that supports business objectives, enhances reputation, and drives stakeholder trust.
• Develop and implement annual communications plans, frameworks, and KPIs across corporate, financial, and brand reputation pillars.
• Champion consistent, high-impact messaging aligned with corporate values, ensuring resonance across internal and external audiences.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the executive team on reputation risks, stakeholder engagement, and high-profile communications opportunities.

Media Relations & Thought Leadership:

• Cultivate and sustain high-level relationships with key media across regional and international markets, securing impactful coverage and managing strategic visibility.
• Serve as the company’s primary liaison for media interactions, ensuring consistent and timely responses to media inquiries and maintaining a strong presence in tier-1 outlets.
• Lead executive visibility efforts, including thought leadership, keynote placements, bylines, and interviews. Provide speechwriting, briefing materials, and media training to senior leaders.

Digital & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Oversee digital communications strategy, including social media, web presence, and executive digital footprint, with a focus on analytics-driven performance and engagement.
• Lead integrated digital campaigns and influencer partnerships to reinforce the company’s voice on sustainability, innovation, and leadership topics.
• Strengthen employee communications and internal engagement through compelling storytelling and transparent messaging.

Crisis & Issues Management:

• Own the company’s crisis communications and reputation risk framework, ensuring readiness and consistency across regions and scenarios.
• Act as a key spokesperson when necessary and provide rapid, coordinated responses to emerging issues or public scrutiny.

Agency, Partner & Budget Oversight:

• Manage and evaluate external agencies and vendors, ensuring alignment with brand strategy, measurable ROI, and strategic accountability.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with legal, marketing, investor relations, and operations teams to ensure communications excellence across the board.
• Drive annual budgeting, reporting, and governance for the communications function.

Leadership & Capability Building:

• Lead and develop a high-performing communications team, fostering a culture of agility, collaboration, and impact.
• Promote innovation and best practices in corporate storytelling, media engagement, and communications technology.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum of 10–15 years in senior-level corporate communications roles, including regional leadership experience.
• Proven track record in building and managing reputation for complex, high-profile organisations.
• Exceptional media relations experience, with an established network of contacts across business, financial, and mainstream media in key markets.
• Deep expertise in executive communications, thought leadership, and issues management.
• Demonstrated success in leading integrated communication strategies across digital and traditional channels.
• Strong understanding of sustainability and ESG communication trends and regulatory landscapes.
• Outstanding leadership, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing teams, agencies, and cross-functional collaboration in a matrixed environment.

Please apply via this job ad and feel free to add me on Linkedin. Please do not message me on Linkedin about this job, I will contact successful applicants directly.