Director of Media Relations (Local & International) - Emirati Applicants

The Director of Media Relations leads the organization's local and international media engagement strategy, ensuring strong relationships with local and global media while protecting and enhancing organizational reputation. The role oversees proactive media engagement, crisis communications, media risk management, executive visibility, and strategic storytelling across domestic and international audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated local and international media strategies.
• Lead relationships with local, regional, and international media organizations.
• Build long-term partnerships with editors, journalists, broadcasters, and digital media.
• Identify opportunities to increase positive editorial coverage.
• Manage complex and sensitive media issues.
• Lead crisis communications and rapid response planning.
• Develop proactive editorial campaigns supporting strategic priorities.
• Advise executives on messaging, interviews, speeches, and public positioning.
• Monitor local and international media trends and reputational risks.
• Establish media monitoring frameworks and reporting dashboards.
• Lead and mentor the media relations team.
• Collaborate with government entities and strategic partners.

Mandatory Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field.
• 12+ years of media relations experience.
• Extensive experience across both local and international media.
• Existing relationships with leading local and international media organizations.
• Strong crisis communications and media risk management experience.
• Experience managing high-profile executives and spokesperson programs.
• Proven ability to deliver editorial campaigns generating measurable media impact.