Senior Strategic Communications Expert

Role overview

A leading organisation in the Middle East is looking for an experienced Senior Strategic Communications Expert to join its Riyadh-based team. The role calls for a communications professional with strong exposure to the telecommunications sector and the ability to advise on strategic messaging, media activity, and reputation-sensitive communications.

What you will do

• Act as an on-site communications advisor and coordinate closely with the client’s communications function on a daily basis.
• Contribute to communications planning on an annual, quarterly, and monthly basis across PR, media relations, executive visibility, campaigns, and issue management.
• Create communication narratives, core messages, positioning approaches, and treatment plans that support business goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Work with internal teams to map upcoming announcements, potential risks, media opportunities, executive visibility requirements, and content needs.
• Support both proactive and reactive media engagement, including journalist outreach, preparation for media briefings, interview coordination, and follow-up actions.
• Provide guidance on issues handling and crisis preparedness, including escalation pathways, holding statements, Q&As, sensitive messaging, and response coordination.

Requirements

• A degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or another closely related discipline is required.
• 8–12 years of experience in public relations and communications, with a focus on telecommunications or technology in Saudi Arabia.
• At least 5 years of experience in telecom, ICT, digital platforms, broadcast, media operations, or technology-driven communications settings; agency experience managing multi-sector accounts is preferred.
• Demonstrated strength in media relations, including engagement with Saudi, regional, or international media outlets.
• Proven experience building communication plans, message frameworks, and media materials, with exposure to issues management, crisis communications, reputation management, or other sensitive topics.
• Strong interpersonal ability and a collaborative approach when working with varied stakeholders.
• Excellent spoken and written English is essential; Arabic language skills would be an advantage.

Application process

Candidates who meet the client’s minimum requirements and wish to apply confidentially should submit their CV and contact details to the hiring contact mentioned in the source.

Additional information

This role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and requires on-site presence. The employer is a major organisation in the Middle East, and the hiring focus is on candidates with telecom-sector strategic communications experience.