Account Director (Media/PR) Saudisation

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR (PR/Media background- Saudisation)My client is an international consultancy that helps organisations create value and deliver lasting impact through culture. Working at the intersection of the Cultural & Creative Industries, Environment & Social Impact, Tourism & Place-making, Government Transformation, Education & Healthcare, and the ethical adoption of AI, they combine strategy, communications, research and cultural intelligence to solve complex challenges.With teams across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia, they partner with governments, cultural institutions, destinations and private sector organisations to develop strategies, strengthen engagement, build partnerships and deliver high-impact initiatives.They are seeking an experienced Account Director based in Saudi Arabia to lead strategic communications and media relations across a portfolio of high-profile projects and initiatives.This senior position is responsible for developing impactful earned media strategies, cultivating strong relationships across the Saudi media landscape and delivering communications programmes that enhance reputation and visibility.The successful candidate will have an extensive network of journalists, editors and broadcasters throughout Saudi Arabia, together with a strong background in journalism, media or public relations. They will provide senior strategic communications counsel to key stakeholders while overseeing day-to-day account leadership and campaign delivery.Working closely with senior leadership, the Account Director will also play a key role in supporting the organisation's continued growth in Saudi Arabia through business development, relationship building and identifying new opportunities. An understanding of, or genuine interest in, the Kingdom's rapidly evolving arts, culture and creative sectors will be highly advantageous.Key ResponsibilitiesMedia RelationsLead media relations across a portfolio of high-profile accounts and strategic projects.Develop proactive earned media strategies that deliver measurable impact.Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers, broadcasters, publishers and digital media across Saudi Arabia.Identify newsworthy opportunities and develop compelling story angles.Draft and oversee press releases, media alerts, opinion articles, briefing documents, speeches and interview materials.Lead media outreach, interview co-ordination and press office activity.Manage media attendance at launches, exhibitions, cultural events and press conferences.Prepare spokespersons and senior stakeholders for interviews through messaging development and media training.Monitor media coverage and provide strategic advice on reputation management and emerging issues.Strategic CommunicationsProvide senior strategic communications advice that supports organisational objectives and strengthens reputation.Develop integrated communications strategies with earned media at the core.Present recommendations confidently to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.Ensure consistently high standards of account leadership and project delivery.Business DevelopmentIdentify and pursue new business opportunities across Saudi Arabia.Build relationships with government entities, cultural organisations, strategic partners and industry stakeholders.Lead proposal development, pitch presentations and business development meetings.Support the organisation's profile through networking, industry engagement and thought leadership.Represent the organisation at key sector events and media gatherings.Skills & ExperienceSaudi National due to our saudisation requirementsSignificant experience within journalism, media relations, public relations or corporate communications.Extensive network of established relationships with journalists, editors, broadcasters and media organisations across Saudi Arabia.Strong understanding of the Saudi media landscape, editorial environment and news agenda.Proven success securing high-profile media coverage and managing complex communications campaigns.Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills across traditional and digital media.Outstanding stakeholder relationship management skills with experience advising senior decision-makers.Proven experience leading complex accounts and managing multiple priorities.Strong business development skills with a track record of identifying opportunities and winning new business.Experience leading and developing high-performing teams within an agency or in-house communications environment.Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into impactful communications programmes.Knowledge of, or genuine interest in, Saudi Arabia's arts, culture, heritage and creative sectors.Fluent Arabic and English with excellent written and verbal communication skills.Commercially aware, proactive and confident in a fast-paced consultancy environment.