Manager, External Communications

Job description

The Manager, External Communications, plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the company’s external messaging and digital presence. This strategic position is responsible for managing media relations, social media engagement, and external campaigns that effectively communicate the company’s business priorities, brand values, and strategic initiatives to key audiences. The role ensures alignment with corporate objectives while safeguarding the company’s reputation through proactive communication and stakeholder engagement.

Job Specific Accountabilities

External Communications:

• Develop and lead external communication programs, campaigns, and content strategies across external media channels.
• Deliver integrated PR programs that articulate the company's key messages, business priorities, and growth initiatives to drive corporate equity among stakeholders and customers.
• Develop relevant narratives and compelling messages that build on the overall corporate communication narrative.
• Define and prioritize key channels and stakeholders to drive the external communications narrative.
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with media, influencers, and stakeholders.
• Develop, manage, review, and enrich editorial content related to all printed publications and communication tools, such as reports, press releases, statements, brochures, booklets, social media scripts, website content, corporate videos, and documentaries.
• Ensure the highest standards of efficiency and professionalism across printed communication by benchmarking multinational best practices and key trends.
• Develop strategic content for executive external communications, including speech writing, media interviews, and presentations.
• Coordinate with the executive management team, headquarters communications, and the CEO to ensure all external communications are aligned and approved before being released to the media.

Social Media:

• Develop and lead the planning and implementation of a long-term social media and digital marketing strategy in line with the company's strategic goals.
• Ensure a positive perception and brand image while creating engagement with key external audiences.
• Develop a social media content strategy and engagement strategy that drives engagement with customers, stakeholders, and key opinion leaders.
• Ensure consistent messaging that aligns with the corporate narrative and influences brand health.
• Lead community management across social channels.
• Monitor and analyze social sentiment regularly and develop plans to improve and maintain positive sentiment.
• Leverage different social media content types to drive higher engagement and optimize spending on high performing posts.
• Own the overall management of owned channels, including SEO strategy, location mapping, and organic search.
• Coordinate with content and media relations and brand/design teams for the timely and effective development of digital and social media marketing content and information (text, images, videos, infographics) across all channels, including the website and social media platforms.

Stakeholder and Government Relations:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including ADNOC HQ, government entities, investors, and media.
• Influence and manage stakeholder expectations to align with the company's strategic goals.
• Act as the primary liaison between the company and key stakeholders to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
• Engage with government entities to ensure compliance and foster positive relationships that support the company's objectives.

Mergers and Acquisitions:

• Support mergers and acquisitions efforts through effective external communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop communication strategies that address the needs and concerns of stakeholders during M&A activities.
• Ensure clear and consistent messaging throughout the M&A process to maintain corporate reputation and stakeholder trust.

Crisis Management:

• Develop and implement crisis communication plans to ensure timely and accurate information is communicated to external audiences during crises.
• Coordinate with the crisis management team to support external communication efforts and protect the company's reputation.

Corporate Reputation and Narrative:

• Build, protect, and drive the corporate reputation through strategic external communications.
• Ensure the overall corporate narrative is consistent and compelling across all external communication channels.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 15 communications professionals and social media team members.
• Build capabilities and upskill the team to ensure they are equipped to meet the company's communication needs.

Global Best Practices:

• Implement global best practices in external communications and corporate communications to enhance the company's reputation and effectiveness.
• Stay updated with industry trends and innovations to continuously improve communication strategies and tactics.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree or professional certification in Strategic Communications, Digital Marketing, or Corporate Communications is preferred.

Minimum Experience & Knowledge & Skills

• 12 years of progressive experience in external communications, public relations, or digital media within a corporate or government setting.
• Proven experience in managing media relations, developing strategic communication plans, and leading social media initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage crisis communications and protect corporate reputation under pressure.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, including working with government entities, media, and external agencies.
• Strong leadership experience in managing cross-functional teams and delivering high-impact communication programs.

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