A leading sports entity in Saudi Arabia is seeking an accomplished Executive Director – Communication & Media to lead the complete communications, PR, and media strategy for a major international football tournament. This senior leadership position is responsible for shaping the event’s global narrative, driving communication strategy, and ensuring seamless operational execution across all media and communication channels.
The ideal candidate has worked within international football ecosystems, senior roles in global tournaments, or major sports event organisations, and is highly experienced in complex stakeholder environments and international media relations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and lead the overarching Communications & PR strategy for the tournament, ensuring alignment with national stakeholders and organisational leadership.
- Establish a unified and consistent narrative across all platforms.
- Advise senior leadership on public perception, sentiment shifts, reputational risks, and proactive narrative management.
Media & PR Management
- Lead international and domestic media relations, press engagements, interviews, briefings, and crisis communication responses.
- Approve high-impact communication materials including statements, press releases, and leadership messaging.
- Build strong relationships with global sports media, broadcasters, digital influencers, and strategic partners.
Content, Digital & Editorial Oversight
- Direct digital and editorial strategy across social platforms, content hubs, and multilingual communication assets.
- Ensure brand consistency, messaging accuracy, and compliance with media/broadcast frameworks.
- Oversee creation of press materials, storytelling campaigns, official publications, and media kits.
Tournament Communications Operations
- Oversee all venue-based media operations, including media centres, mixed zones, press conference rooms, and tribunes.
- Lead the media accreditation programme, ensuring smooth processes for international media and broadcast partners.
- Coordinate readiness of media infrastructure, technology, equipment, and operational support across venues.
Stakeholder & Internal Coordination
- Ensure seamless communication flows across marketing, operations, digital, protocol, security, and executive functions.
- Maintain alignment with national entities, strategic partners, and relevant oversight bodies.
- Drive crisis preparedness, scenario planning, and communication risk management.
Monitoring, Intelligence & Insights
- Track performance KPIs, sentiment analytics, and media reporting across global markets.
- Provide leadership with insights dashboards, reputation assessments, and real-time intelligence.
Experience Requirements
- 15+ years in Communications, PR, or Media leadership roles within:
- major football tournaments
- global sports organisations
- international event operations
- or large-scale, high-visibility public communication environments
- Proven capability in global media engagement, narrative development, and complex multi-stakeholder management.
Skills & Attributes
- Exceptional communication and strategic storytelling skills.
- Strong crisis communication and reputational management experience.
- Ability to operate in fast-paced, multicultural environments.
- Leadership experience managing diverse teams.
Why Join
- Influence one of the region’s most prestigious international football events.
- Lead a communications programme with global visibility and impact.
- Be part of a dynamic organisation shaping the future of sport in Saudi Arabia.
The SR Group (Dubai) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
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