Director of Communications (Bilingual - Arabic & English)

Mark Williams Recruitment; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Communications to lead strategic initiatives in Riyadh. This pivotal role focuses on enhancing the organization's reputation, managing crisis communications, and developing compelling proposals and pitches. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills and a strong background in stakeholder engagement, ensuring consistent and impactful brand positioning. With a commitment to excellence, this position offers the opportunity to shape the company's communication strategies and drive business growth in a dynamic environment. Join a team dedicated to innovation and strategic thinking.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in communications with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Exceptional skills in proposal and pitch development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute communication strategies to enhance the company's reputation.
• Lead crisis communications and manage sensitive situations effectively.

Skills

Reputation Management

Crisis Communications

Strategic Positioning

Proposal Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Leadership

Media Relations

Digital Communication Strategies

Education

Bachelor's in Communications

Master's in Communications

Job description

About the job:

We are seeking a dynamic and highly skilled Director of Communications to join our client - a strategic communications entity's team in Riyadh. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in reputation management, strategic positioning, and a proven ability to prepare compelling proposals, pitches, and handle RFPs.

This role requires a strategic thinker with exceptional leadership skills to manage communications strategies that enhance the organization's image, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, and drive business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Reputation Management:

- Develop and execute strategic communications plans to build, protect, and enhance the company's reputation.

- Lead crisis communications, managing sensitive situations effectively and minimizing reputational damage.

- Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and external communications.

- Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, offering proactive and reactive recommendations as needed.

2. Strategic Positioning:

- Lead the development of communication strategies to strengthen the brand's position in the market.

- Collaborate with senior leadership to define key messages and ensure consistent, impactful brand positioning across all channels.

- Position the company as a thought leader in the industry by developing and executing content that highlights expertise, achievements, and innovations.

3. Proposal and Pitch Development:

- Prepare and deliver high-quality proposals and pitches to clients, partners, and stakeholders.

- Collaborate with business development teams to identify opportunities and tailor communication strategies to meet client needs.

- Craft winning RFP responses that align with the company's strengths and objectives.

4. Stakeholder Engagement:

- Build and maintain relationships with media, influencers, and key stakeholders to drive positive coverage and enhance visibility.

- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on communication-related matters.

5. Leadership and Team Management:

- Lead a team of communications professionals, providing mentorship, guidance, and training.

- Oversee the creation and distribution of internal and external communications materials.

- Ensure the team is delivering on key performance metrics and timelines, while fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.

Requirements:

- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field. Master's degree preferred.

- Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills in both Arabic and English.

-In alignment with the client's Saudization objectives, the role prioritizes Saudi Nationals, however the client is open to considering Native Arabic speakers possessing exceptional command over English language.

- Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

- Proven experience in reputation management, strategic positioning, and crisis communications.

- Strong track record of successful proposal and pitch development, particularly in responding to RFPs.

- Experience in dealing with key media, influencers, and high-profile stakeholders.

- Experience in both local (Saudi Arabia) and international markets, with an understanding of cultural nuances and business practices in the Middle East.

- Strong ability to think strategically, with a focus on long-term brand positioning and reputation management.

- Proficiency in media relations, social media management, and digital communication strategies.

- Proven leadership capabilities, with experience in managing teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.

- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

- Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving abilities.

- Strong leadership and team-building skills.

- Creative, innovative, and proactive in driving communications initiatives.

- High attention to detail and a strong commitment to delivering results.

- Ability to work with senior executives and manage external stakeholders confidently.

- Familiarity with local regulatory requirements and media landscape in Saudi Arabia.