Chief Public Relations & Communications Officer

About the Role

The Chief Public Relations & Communications Officer (CPRCO) is responsible for shaping and protecting the organization's reputation through strategic communications, media relations, press engagement, and stakeholder communications. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CPRCO serves as the principal advisor on corporate messaging, public positioning, executive visibility, and crisis communications. The role is focused on building a strong public image, maintaining positive media relationships, managing corporate narratives, and ensuring consistent communication across internal and external audiences.

Key Responsibilities Media Relations & Press Communications

• Lead all media relations, press office activities, and corporate communications.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and international media outlets, editors, and journalists.
• Oversee the development and distribution of press releases, media statements, and corporate announcements.
• Act as the organization's primary communications advisor for media inquiries and public-facing communications.
• Position senior executives as thought leaders through interviews, speaking engagements, opinion articles, and industry forums.

Corporate Communications & Reputation Management

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that enhances brand reputation and public perception.
• Own the corporate narrative and ensure consistency of messaging across all channels.
• Monitor media coverage, public sentiment, and reputational risks, providing insights and recommendations to leadership.
• Manage executive communications, speeches, presentations, and key stakeholder messaging.

Crisis Communications

• Develop crisis communication frameworks, response protocols, and media response strategies.
• Lead communication efforts during crises, regulatory issues, major incidents, and sensitive corporate matters.
• Provide spokesperson training and media coaching to senior leadership.

Stakeholder & Public Affairs Communications

• Manage communication with government entities, regulators, industry bodies, and key external stakeholders.
• Support major corporate announcements, partnerships, investments, and strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate corporate communications related to investor relations, annual reports, and financial disclosures.

Internal Communications

• Drive employee engagement through effective internal communications programs.
• Partner with HR and leadership teams to communicate organizational strategy, culture, and change initiatives.

Digital & Content Strategy

• Oversee corporate website content, digital communications, social media presence, and content creation.
• Ensure all external communications support and strengthen the organization's reputation and brand positioning.

Preferred Background

• 15+ years of experience in Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Journalism, or Public Affairs.
• Extensive experience drafting and managing press releases, media statements, executive communications, and crisis responses.
• Strong network within media organizations, press agencies, and key public stakeholders.
• Proven track record managing corporate reputation and high-profile communications.
• Experience supporting CEOs and executive leadership teams in media and public-facing engagements.
• Fluent in English; Arabic is highly preferred.