Senior Communications Manager

Piermont Search; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious semi-government entity in Abu Dhabi seeks a Senior Strategic Communications Manager to enhance its communications strategy. The role involves leading a dynamic team while managing reputation and content across various platforms. Candidates should have over 7 years of experience, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the UAE's media landscape. A degree in communications or a related field is essential, with a Master's preferred. Compensation is competitive, aligned with industry standards.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of communications experience with public sector and agency exposure.
• At least 3 years leading a team.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead external communications for the entity and its portfolio.
• Develop and execute strategic communications plans.
• Manage media engagement across digital, print, and broadcast.

Skills

Reputation management

Crisis communications

Project management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

A prestigioussemi-government entity in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Senior Strategic Communications Manager to join its Strategic Communications team and drive high-impact, reputation-sensitive projects across an ambitious national portfolio.

Reports to: Head of Strategic Communications

Team: 4 direct reports, plus external consultants and agencies

About the Role

This role is ideal for a strategic communicator who leads with both heart and precision, someone who can inspire, mentor, and manage a high-performing team, while also rolling up their sleeves to develop content, manage crises, and drive results under tight timelines.

You’ll be responsible for leading external communications for the entity and its portfolio of assets, with a strong focus on reputation management, leadership visibility, media strategy, and content development. You’ll be the go-to person for translating complex government initiatives into clear, compelling narratives.

We’re seeking a nurturing yet structured team leader, someone who can:

• Lead and mentora growing communications team with clarity, empathy, and accountability.
• Identify team development needs, coach junior talent, and foster a supportive environment where people thrive.
• Operate seamlessly across in-house public sector communications and external agency relationships, understanding the cadence and demands of both.
• Balance multiple priorities and deliver under tight timelines, without compromising quality or clarity.
• Serve as a reputational guardian—proactively managing risks, navigating crises, and building long-term stakeholder trust.
• Build credibility and influence at the highest levels, including with government and ministerial stakeholders.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and execute organization-wide strategic communications plans.
• Craft and edit high-level content including leadership speeches, op-eds, press releases, and board communications.
• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement across digital, print, and broadcast.
• Supervise daily media monitoring and advise senior leadership on potential reputational risks.
• Manage a team of internal professionals and a network of communications, media monitoring, and digital agencies.
• Deliver complex multi-stakeholder projects in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Ideal Profile

• 7+ years of communications experience with a blend of public sector and agency exposure.
• At least 3 years leading a team, you’ve developed people, built capacity, and managed performance.
• Demonstrated strength in reputation management, crisis communications, and executive-level positioning.
• Strong project and stakeholder management skills, with a commitment to timelines and detail.
• Deep understanding of the UAE’s government and media landscape.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English (Arabic an advantage).
• Degree educated, Master's is desirable.