Job Description

To lead the Corporate Communications function, overseeing and directing the day-to-day operational communications produced across the group’s divisions, and with overall responsibility for management of the group’s internal, external and Arabic communications channels. To develop and maintain relationships with local and MENA media, raising the company’s visibility in the local regions and managing its reputation among key stakeholders by developing an integrated communications strategy. To foster a more engaged workforce by creating a transparent, two-way communications flow between management and staff, ensuring that internal communications are aligned with the vision, mission and values of the organisation.

Accountabilities

• Manage the development, translation, transcreation, approval and distribution of content for Arabic communications channels, including corporate internal messaging, press releases and statements.
• Coordinate responses to Arabic media requests about the Group and its divisions, preparing written statements on the company’s behalf and having a regular exchange of information with the media.
• Identify positive Arabic PR story opportunities to promote the Group and its divisions, driving publicity.
• Strengthening media relationships through effective collaboration, pursue networking opportunities with local media to keep them updated with the organisation’s major announcements and new products.
• Preserve and reflect the Group’s core values and national identity by linking it to the use of Arabic language, expressing the values and culture of the Group’s home, the UAE.
• Preparing Arabic quotes, talking points, speeches and scripts for the executive leadership team for media-related events and workshops and proofreading all translated content for grammar, spelling and punctuation accuracy.
• Effectively manage stakeholders, from executive level to departmental content owners, providing Arabic communications advice. 
• Support corporate emergency procedures during disruption and major incidents as required.
• Ensure that all internal and external communications are delivered in a timely and professional manner aligned with the group strategy
• Build and maintain relationships with teams across the group in order to achieve the timely and professional implementation of required news and media related content
• Oversee and set the policies for the Duty Media Officer role, ensuring that statements and media responses are coordinated and communicated to the relevant stakeholders
• Leads the Etihad Aviation Group employee engagement initiatives through internal communications, intranet design and management, Yammer, surveys, and content for Employee Engagement Forums.
• Ensure the professional implementation of Etihad’s corporate brand and culture through external publications, i.e. Group website content / media relations
• Manage the Corporate Communications team, developing a training and development plan, managing performance, overseeing the team budget, and coordinating the team’s OGSM and risk submissions 
• Oversee the scoping, development, delivery and measurement of new tools and initiatives for internal, external and Arabic communications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Strategy/Business Communication/Journalism or related discipline.
• 12+ years communications management / leadership experience within the travel and tourism industry; aviation/aerospace background is advantageous.
• Excellent spoken and written English communications skills (Arabic/other languages advantageous).
• In-depth understanding and experience of communications channels; strong emphasis on digital.
• Demonstrable flexibility in approach and attitude; with an ability to prioritise and to communicate change effectively.
• Flexibility: the nature of the department’s work can result in the need to work extra unsociable hours with little or no notice.

Skills Required

• Communication
• Aviation