Head of Communications

Roles and Responsibilities

The External Communications Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global narrative and positioning G42 as a leader in the AI and technology sectors. This hands-on role requires a seasoned communications professional with at least 14 years of experience who excels in crafting strategic, impactful messaging while managing day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, is highly operational, and is adept at managing multiple projects and media relationships simultaneously.

The role demands a professional with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts while also being skilled in narrative development and message delivery. A natural curiosity for technology, including AI, paired with a good understanding of political and industry landscapes, is essential to navigate complex external communications effectively.

The External Communications Manager will collaborate across teams, manage external PR agencies, and work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure the consistent and effective dissemination of G42’s messaging, aligned with G42’s brand voice. This position reports to the Director of Corporate Communications and will lead the operational execution of external communications strategies, ensuring the smooth implementation of initiatives and campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate, manage, and expand relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
• Build and leverage a strong network of media contacts within the tech and business sectors.
• Manage external PR and communications agencies, ensuring the clear articulation of briefs and tasks to:
• Write and distribute press releases.
• Manage media inquiries and interview requests.
• Monitor media coverage and identify key opportunities for G42's media presence.
• Organize press conferences, media events, and executive briefings.
• Advise on effective media strategies.
• Drive media partnerships and collaborations that enhance G42’s reputation.
• Lead the development and consistency of a messaging house aligned with the company’s strategic communications objectives, brand, and values.
• Oversee the creation and execution of compelling external messaging across owned, earned, and paid channels (website, media, social media, industry publications).
• Ensure all communications reflect G42’s brand voice and maintain the highest standards of quality.
• Provide content support for executive communications, including speeches, talking points, and media briefings.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Corporate Communications to position G42 executives and experts as thought leaders.
• Support the creation of white papers, reports, and other thought leadership content that enhances G42’s position in the industry.
• Drive the operational side of thought leadership initiatives to ensure seamless execution.
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with external organizations that align with G42’s strategic goals.
• Lead joint campaigns with external partners to strengthen G42’s industry influence.
• Provide direct support for executive media engagements and public appearances.
• Develop and manage the preparation of talking points, speeches, and media interviews for G42’s leadership team.
• Expert communicator with impeccable verbal and written communication skills in English (additional languages, such as Arabic, are a plus).
• Strategic media management with proven experience in effective media relations, including managing press releases, media inquiries, organizing press briefings, press conferences, and crisis communications.
• Tech-savvy with demonstrated ability to leverage AI-driven tools and technologies to enhance communication strategies, implementation, and reporting.
• Superior writing ability in a variety of journalistic and corporate content styles, tailored for external publications.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, project management, and organizational skills, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and working efficiently in a dynamic, fast-paced, and agile environment.
• Positive, solution-oriented attitude, with the ability to drive change and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Ability to cultivate, manage, and expand trusted relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and stakeholders, while building a strong network of media contacts in the tech, business, or political sectors, or demonstrating the ability to develop such a network.
• A deep understanding of what it takes to stay connected to the industry, including networking, attending industry events, building one-on-one relationships, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant trends.
• Hands-on experience managing PR agencies with the ability to create clear briefs and tasks while overseeing their execution.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams, leading strategic initiatives with efficiency and operational excellence.
• Passion for communications and the ability to learn and adapt quickly to emerging trends and tools, including AI-driven solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, International Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• 14+ years of experience in external communications, media relations, or a similar role.
• Extensive experience in managing PR agencies and developing media strategies that drive results.
• A natural interest in technology, storytelling, and politics, with a proven ability to navigate complex topics and messaging.
• Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth environments, preferably in tech or related industries.
• Ability to learn and effectively use AI-driven tools to enhance communications strategies.