Director of Media Relations & Partnerships - Emirati Applicants

Overview

This leadership role is responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive media relations strategy both locally and internationally to elevate the organization's reputation and global presence as a trusted information source. The position oversees the local and international media relations teams and fosters partnerships with influential media outlets and key opinion leaders across various platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement cohesive media strategies that align with the organization's goals, covering local, regional, and international spheres.
• Direct proactive engagement initiatives to boost reputation and media visibility worldwide.
• Ensure the organization is recognized as a primary source for international media information.
• Advise senior executives on media-related matters and communications.
• Establish and nurture durable connections with senior media executives, editors, journalists, correspondents, and producers across leading global outlets.
• Plan and execute media engagement activities in advance of major announcements and events.
• Secure prominent coverage across television, print, digital platforms, podcasts, and business publications globally.
• Coordinate international press briefings, interviews, media tours, editorial meetings, and media delegations overseas.
• Support organizational leadership during international trips and global events.
• Oversee local media relations by maintaining strong ties with media organizations, editors-in-chief, journalists, and government communications teams, ensuring punctual communication dissemination and message consistency.
• Forge strategic media partnerships, negotiate collaboration agreements, explore sponsorship and content co-creation opportunities, and cultivate long-term influential media relationships.
• Lead reputation management initiatives by developing proactive strategies, managing crisis communication engagements, monitoring worldwide media coverage, preparing briefing papers for executives, and formulating responses to sensitive international matters.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Political Science, or a related discipline; Master’s degree is preferred.
• Over 15 years of experience in strategic media relations with at least 8 years in an international media relations leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience managing large communication teams within government, international organizations, sovereign entities, or multinational companies.
• Proven expertise engaging with international media across various countries and regions, handling executive communications effectively.

Essential Competencies

• International and local media relations
• Global reputation management
• Executive communication and strategic communication planning
• Crisis communication and media partnership development
• Stakeholder and government communication management
• Media monitoring, interview coordination, editorial planning, message crafting, and media strategy
• Public affairs expertise

Networking Requirements

The candidate must have a substantial professional network including journalists, editors, producers, correspondents, bureau chiefs, and senior media executives across key international and regional outlets.

Eligibility

This position is open exclusively to Emirati applicants.