Public Relations Manager, MENA

Core Job Functions/Responsibilities

• Foster relationships with Tier 1 and local media outlets and partners across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, and the broader MENA region.
• Contribute to marketing communications plans, encompassing strategy, goals, budget, and tactics.
• Develop a strategic media relations plan to secure high-profile placements in print, broadcast, and online media across English- and Arabic-language outlets.
• Assist in coordinating all public relations activities, including event logistics and speaking opportunities at key regional games, fintech, and web3 events.
• Collaborate closely with the integrated marketing manager to create engaging content for audiences across traditional and new media platforms, while being sensitive to regional cultural norms.
• Utilize existing media relationships and cultivate new contacts within the business, technology, and gaming industry media across the MENA region.
• Manage media inquiries and interview requests.
• Craft content for press releases, bylined articles, and presentation scripts.
• Continually evaluate opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and advertising within the region's rapidly growing gaming and entertainment ecosystem.
• Establish relationships with thought leaders, government innovation bodies, and gaming ecosystem stakeholders to increase industry awareness.
• Keep abreast of industry trends affecting clients and the MENA gaming market, and make appropriate recommendations regarding the communication strategy surrounding them.
• Engage in content creation focusing on thought leadership, creativity, and maintaining a content bank of editorial ideas aligned with regional market plans.

Education/Experience

• BA/MA degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related discipline.
• 6-8 years of proven track record in strategizing and executing successful public relations campaigns at both domestic and international levels, with meaningful MENA market experience.
• Strong networks with both local and international business and industry media outlets across the MENA region. Relationships with content creators/influencers are an added advantage.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, short form, long form, branded content, light ad copywriting.
• PR event planning and execution experience within the MENA region, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Expertise in handling crisis communications.
• Prior work experience in the video game industry is a prerequisite, and fintech experience would be a bonus.
• Proficiency in localizing press releases for Arabic-language markets and an understanding of cultural nuances across the region.

Freedom to Act

• Ability to self-motivate, work independently across time zones, and contribute effectively within a globally distributed team environment.

Size and Complexity

• A proven track record of successfully managing a company's reputation and launching multiple products, while consistently projecting a positive, professional image of the organization across diverse MENA markets.

Interaction

• Willingness and ability to undertake special projects.
• Ability to handle confidential information with the utmost level of professionalism.
• Excellent performance in cross-functional project teams and with external vendors.

External Relationships

• Understanding of the comprehensive range of skills required to manage customer-centric relationships with partners, government entities, and regional gaming ecosystem stakeholders.

Additional Requirements

• As the successful candidate will be working across the MENA region, knowledge and understanding of local data privacy regulations (including UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection and Saudi Arabia's PDPL), as well as other local laws and business practices, will be essential. Fluency in English is required.