PR & Media Head - UAEN

A leading government entity in Abu Dhabi is seeking a UAE National communications leader to join its Executive Communications function as PR & Media Section Head. The role will lead strategic communications, media relations, executive positioning, reputation and crisis communications, while advising senior leadership and strengthening engagement with key stakeholders.

PR & Media Section Head | UAE National

A leading government entity in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced UAE National communications professional to join its Executive Communications function in a senior leadership capacity.

This is a strategic communications role responsible for developing and delivering integrated communications programmes that strengthen institutional reputation, stakeholder confidence and public awareness.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership and lead activity across strategic communications, media relations, executive positioning, thought leadership, reputation management, crisis communications and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic communications strategies, frameworks and annual plans.

• Translate organisational priorities into integrated communications programmes that strengthen reputation, stakeholder trust and public awareness.

• Advise senior leadership on strategic communications opportunities, reputational considerations and emerging issues.

• Develop and oversee executive positioning and thought leadership strategies for senior leaders.

• Oversee the preparation of executive communications including speeches, keynote addresses, talking points, opinion pieces, media statements, interviews and briefing materials.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen leadership visibility through media engagement, industry events, conferences and thought leadership platforms.

• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant local, regional and international media.

• Oversee press releases, announcements, media kits, statements and other external communications materials.

• Lead reputation management and crisis communications planning and responses.

• Monitor media coverage, stakeholder sentiment and potential reputational risks, providing recommendations to senior leadership.

• Develop stakeholder communications approaches across government entities, strategic partners and relevant external organisations.

• Support major corporate initiatives, partnerships and projects through targeted communications and stakeholder engagement.

• Oversee media monitoring, communications performance measurement, benchmarking and executive reporting.

• Lead and develop the communications team while managing agency and external communications partners.

• Support effective budget and resource planning across the function.

Candidate Profile

• UAE National – mandatory.

• Significant experience across strategic communications, corporate communications, public relations, media relations and/or executive communications.

• Strong understanding of the UAE media and communications landscape.

• Demonstrable experience developing and executing communications strategies.

• Strong exposure to executive positioning, senior stakeholder communications and/or thought leadership.

• Experience across reputation management, issues management and crisis communications would be highly advantageous.

• Strong media relations capabilities and experience engaging with journalists, editors and other relevant external stakeholders.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate effectively with senior leadership and external partners.

• Previous people leadership and agency management experience.

• Government or semi-government experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

• Broad exposure across corporate communications, media, PR and strategic communications would be highly regarded.

• Excellent communication, judgement, discretion and relationship-management capabilities.

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Eligibility: UAE Nationals only