Memac Ogilvy, a leading creative network in the MENA region and part of the global WPP & Ogilvy network, is seeking a dynamic and experienced PR Director to join our Riyadh office.
About Memac Ogilvy:
We are the only truly integrated communications network in the region, boasting a comprehensive range of services including Growth & Innovation, Advertising (Brand & Content), PR, Experience, and Health, all under one P&L and leadership. With a strong local footprint in the GCC and North Africa, and a team of 500 talented individuals, we are the most awarded Middle Eastern agency in Cannes and a consistent winner at the Lynx awards.
The Role:
Public Relations Director shall be driving the delivery, performance and growth of the Public Relationship business in the Saudi market with focus on key Riyadh based clients as well as across the Kingdom. The Public Relations Director will be part of the Saudi leadership team and the MENA PR leadership team. Working closely with all Saudi and regional leaders across all Memac Ogilvy five core capabilities (Advertsing, Brand and Content (ABC), PR & Influence, Ogilvy One, Heath & Wellness and Consulting) to deliver a seamless integrated solutions to our clients while keep prime focus on delivering specialized Public Relations services and counsel to both PR only and integrated clients. The Public Relations Director will work with the leadership team to unlock the growth potential, solidify the operations excellence and bring further synergies and efficiencies amongst KSA PR people and teams in Saudi and other relevant teams operating in MENA markets.
The Public Relations Director will be accountable and responsible for the progress and realizations of key areas; Capability, People, Client Engagement and Growth.
The Public Relations Director role will cover the following areas:
Growth
- Key focal point for coordinating and managing new business pitches plans, resources, timelines, access to KSA, regional and global resources, insights and required input.
- Play active role in developing new business documents with focus on delivering competitive proposals that have strategic value and creative edge along with operational and delivery excellence.
- Mobilize and manage resources for new business programs
- Enhance Memac Ogilvy reputation and presence with the communications and business community Riyadh and KSA.
People
- Manage and organize the day-to-day operations of the PR community in KSA
- Assure that optimal performance and efficiency of the PR community. Set the right operational structures for the businesses that meets clients business and contractual needs.
- Mentor and oversee the career growth of the PR community in KSA inclusive of career conversations and other related programs within Memac Ogilvy, Ogilvy Worldwide network and WPP.
- Oversee and project manage the execution of internal awards program for the PR Community
- Oversee and coordinate the progress of a Mentorship program for key young talent within the PR Community
- Organize and manage the training calendar of the PR Community
Capability
- Deliver and oversee the PR team delivery of key tasks and services including day to day account management, strategy development, communications plans, crisis communications, client counsel and advisory, press office operations, PR lead campaigns, first earned creative process, integrated campaigns with PR component, executive visibility programs, influence and social workstreams integrated within PR, data analysis and insights reporting and evaluation supervision.
- Manage, oversee and develop up to date best practices, tools, methodologies and processes in line with Ogilvy's offerings
- Oversee cross capabilities workstreams and integration.
Client Engagement
- Project lead, counsel, support and act as key executive sponsors for all PR only and PR led accounts in KSA.
- Manage key accounts by setting governance, coordinating internal resources and reporting.
- Direct client engagement, servicing, reporting and support on PR accounts.
- Set internal and client review sessions for PR accounts.
- Follow-up and review of Vantage scoring of PR and integrated accounts.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in Public Relations, with a proven track record of success in the Saudi market.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to develop and execute impactful PR strategies.
- Excellent client management and relationship-building skills.
- Deep understanding of the Saudi media landscape.
- Fluency in English and Arabic is essential.
