This is not a traditional PR manager role. We are not looking for someone who sends press releases and maintains a spreadsheet of journalist contacts. We are building global brand authority from the ground up, and this person is the architect of that narrative.

The right candidate understands that earned media at scale requires relationships that take years to build, and comes in already holding them. They operate proactively, not reactively. They think in story arcs, not announcements. And they treat our founder's visibility as a strategic asset, not a scheduling exercise.

If your strongest reference is a regional outlet, this is not the role for you.

This is a unique opportunity to join a purpose-driven brand at the forefront of ethical digital banking. You will have the chance to lead impactful PR strategies, drive media relations, and build strong relationships that elevate Mal's profile in the region and globally.

Key Responsibilities

Global Media Strategy & Relationships

Build and own a tiered global media network across print, digital, and broadcast — with tier-one targets including international business, tech, and industry press
Come in with established, active relationships at leading global outlets, not a contact list you last used two years ago
Serve as the sole point of contact for all inbound press enquiries and proactively drive outbound pitch campaigns
Maintain a live, tiered outlet and journalist database with relationship status, coverage history, and pipeline activity
Identify and pursue strategic media opportunities 60–90 days ahead (never reactive, always prepositioned)
Propose new strategies to attract global and relevant journalists i.e. Private media round tables, Flying out journalists for an exclusive interview with our Founder behind the build etc.

Founder Thought Leadership

Own the founder's global media profile as a strategic priority: op-eds, keynote coverage, podcast placements, panel features, and interviews with tier-one outlets
Develop and manage a forward-looking thought leadership pipeline (angles, narratives, and story hooks planned well in advance)
Brief and prepare the founder and/or C-Suite for every media interaction; handle all scheduling through the Founder's EA with prior written approval
Ensure all founder-facing content is consistent, strategically timed, and contributes to long-term positioning
Pitch to wish-list events and podcasts for speaking opportunities

SEO-Led PR & Digital Presence

Own the intersection of PR and organic search: drive high-authority backlink acquisition through strategic media placement
Maintain a live tracker of all published announcements, press features, and founder mentions, indexed for discoverability and SEO value
Audit existing digital footprint and prioritise placement strategy based on domain authority and search relevance (in collaboration with SEO team)
Coordinate with content teams to ensure press coverage translates into owned-channel SEO value and social platforms

Communications Governance

Serve as mandatory final approver for all outgoing external content: press releases, statements, executive quotes, social posts, advertorials, and interviews
Enforce a zero-bypass approval workflow, no external communication is published without written sign-off, regardless of seniority
Maintain a centralised tracker of all approved, live, and in-progress communications: one source of truth
Nothing involving the founder is scheduled or confirmed without his approval

Proactive Announcement & Story Pipeline

Build the annual PR and communications strategy with a fully mapped announcement calendar (minimum 90-day planning horizon)
Identify and engineer newsworthy story angles around company milestones, product launches, team expansion, partnerships, and market moments
Manage the timing and sequencing of announcements to maximise media impact and avoid cannibalisation
Proactively brief key journalists and outlets ahead of embargoed announcements to secure committed coverage

Crisis Communications

Monitor media sentiment and flag reputational risks before they escalate (real-time awareness is non-negotiable)
Maintain a live crisis protocol with pre-approved response frameworks for high-likelihood scenarios

Sponsorships

Evaluate and vet all inbound sponsorship proposals against brand alignment, audience relevance, and ROI potential
Lead negotiations, contracting, and deliverable tracking for all active sponsorship properties
Approve all sponsorship-related communications, co-branded content, and activations before publication
Provide quarterly performance and renewal assessments per property

Team & Agency Leadership

Manage and direct external agencies when relevant, with clarity, accountability, and high standards
Lead and hold external agencies to performance (they work for us, not the other way around)
Operate with full ownership of this function; this role requires zero hand-holding

Must-Have Qualifications

Senior-level experience in PR, communications, or media relations, preferably in fintech, banking, or ethical finance sectors
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a keen ability to adapt messages for diverse audiences
Active, tier-one global media relationships in tech, business, and/or consumer press that can be activated immediately
Proven expertise in managing media relations and developing media strategies for brand awareness
Strong understanding of brand reputation management, including crisis communication
Strategic mindset with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels
Deep appreciation for ethical or purpose-driven brands
Comfortable in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment
Demonstrated ability to build and manage a proactive story pipeline, not just react to inbound
Operates with urgency, discretion, attention to detail, and complete ownership

Nice to Have

Fluency in Arabic
Network of global media contacts
Preferential media monitoring tools

Public Relations & Communications Manager