General Director, Institutional Communication

About Us:

The General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea, known as SHAMS, is a Saudi government conservation organization, established in 1443 AH . Our mandate is to protect, manage, and sustain the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine turtle populations along the Red Sea. By leveraging both local wisdom and global expertise, we employ innovative strategies to monitor, rehabilitate, and restore these valuable ecosystems.

Job Purpose:

The General Director for Institutional Communication leads SHAMS’ internal and external communication strategy, ensuring consistent, high‑quality messaging that reflects SHAMS’ mandate, achievements, and national role in coral reef and sea turtle conservation. This role oversees media relations, strategic communication planning, branding, digital presence, content development, and institutional messaging across all platforms. The GD‑IC strengthens SHAMS’ visibility, supports organizational transparency, and enhances stakeholder understanding of conservation outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead SHAMS’ institutional communication strategy to ensure coherent messaging across all platforms.

• Oversee brand identity, communication guidelines, and organizational messaging standards.

• Direct media relations, press releases, interviews, and public announcements.

• Develop and review high‑level content including speeches, reports, statements, and publications.

• Manage digital communication channels including website, social media, and multimedia products.

• Provide communication support for major national and international events, conferences, and partnerships.

• Coordinate crisis communication protocols and issue‑management responses.

• Ensure communication products reflect scientific accuracy and align with SHAMS’ conservation priorities.

• Strengthen internal communication systems to support organizational alignment and information flow.

• Lead and supervise communication teams across media, content creation, and digital engagement.

• Oversee departmental resource planning, workflows, and quality assurance processes.

• Approve communication plans, media products, and institutional outputs.

• Provide coaching, capacity building, and performance management for staff.

• Perform any tasks assigned to you within the area of specialization.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic Communication Leadership.

• Stakeholder & Media Engagement.

• Crisis Communication & Issues Management.

• Writing, Editing & Content Quality Assurance.

• Public Speaking & Representation.

• Media relations and press engagement.

• Content development (speeches, reports, campaigns).

• Institutional and strategic communication planning.

• Brand management, messaging, and visual identity.

• Digital media and social media strategy.

Qualifications:

• The applicant must be a Saudi national.

• A bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Environmental Communication, Marketing, or a related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.

• Certifications in comms strategy, digital media, or public relations are an advantage.

• Proficiency in spoken and written Arabic and English.

Experience:

• 10–15 years of professional experience in institutional communication, public affairs, media engagement, strategic communication leadership, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.