KEY ACTIVITIES
Role Overview
The Regional Media Relations Specialist will lead regional media engagement across ATRC and its subsidiaries. This role serves as the primary liaison for local and regional journalists and ensures that ATRC's narratives are accurately and strategically positioned within regional media.
This role requires strong editorial judgment, relationship-building skills, and an understanding of the pulse, priorities, and sensitivities of media in the region. The specialist will support proactive storytelling, strengthen trust with key editors and reporters, and ensure communications are timely, clear, and aligned with overall communications strategy.
This role is both operational and strategic responsible for execution while also advising the communications team on how media perceives and frames ATRC initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Regional Media Relationship Management
- Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with local media (English and Arabic) across the UAE and the wider region.
- Serve as the primary point of contact (POC) for Arabic-speaking journalists.
- Maintain and regularly update a media database segmented by beat, outlet type, and influence.
- Proactively pitch relevant stories, exclusives, and briefings tailored to media priorities.
- Monitor journalist interests and newsroom trends to inform proactive outreach.
2. Arabic Content Development for Media
- Develop and adapt core communications materials into high-quality Arabic content, including Press Release, Media invitations, Advisories, Spokesperson quotes, Holding statements, Fact sheets and backgrounders
- Ensure content reflects tone, nuance, and cultural context appropriate to Arabic media.
3. Media Briefings & Event Support
- Coordinate and attend media briefings involving press.
- Host and manage on-site interactions with journalists during industry events.
- Support spokesperson preparation for interviews (briefing notes, anticipated questions, key messages).
- Ensure smooth follow-up post-briefings, including coverage tracking and relationship nurturing.
4. Strategic Advisory on Media Landscape
- Provide insight into emerging narratives, sensitivities, and trends within media.
- Flag potential reputational risks within the media ecosystem.
- Recommend proactive engagement opportunities, thought leadership themes, and opinion placement strategies.
- Contribute to overall narrative strategy by reflecting how messages are received by audiences
5. Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support
- Work closely with the Media Intelligence Specialist to assess coverage tone and message pull-through.
- Support the broader media relations team during campaigns and high-visibility announcements.
- Coordinate with social media and digital teams to ensure alignment of messaging across platforms.
- Assist during crisis situations by supporting monitoring and media responses.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Necessary Knowledge and Experience
- 5+ years of experience in media relations, journalism, or corporate communications (agency or in-house).
- Strong, demonstrable relationships with key media outlets and journalists in the UAE and region.
- Arabic fluency (written and spoken) with excellent command of professional Arabic.
- Strong English proficiency for English media coordination and message alignment.
- Experience drafting media materials in Arabic independently.
- Strong understanding of regional media dynamics, newsroom pressures, and editorial preferences.
- Experience supporting high-profile announcements, events, or leadership visibility initiatives.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to operate calmly under tight deadlines and in high-visibility environments.
Education and Certification Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Arabic Literature, Media Studies, Public Relations, or a related field.
- Master's degree in Communications or related discipline preferred.
- Media training or public relations certifications are advantageous.
- Additional training in strategic communications or crisis communications is a plus.
