Head of English Editorial & Strategic Communications

Role Purpose

The Head of English Editorial & Strategic Communications is responsible for leading all English-language editorial output and strategic communications initiatives. The role ensures consistency, accuracy, tone, and strategic alignment across press releases, executive messaging, speeches, thought leadership, and campaign-driven content. The position manages English editors and works closely with senior leadership, Arabic editorial teams, digital, PR, and external stakeholders to protect and enhance the organization’s reputation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Editorial Leadership & Governance

• Lead and manage the English Editorial team, setting editorial standards, workflows, and quality benchmarks.
• Act as final editorial authority on all English-language content, including press releases, statements, speeches, op-eds, reports, and executive correspondence.
• Ensure consistency of tone, voice, and terminology aligned with government communication standards.
• Establish and enforce editorial guidelines, style guides, and approval processes.

2. Strategic Communications & Messaging

• Translate organizational priorities into clear, compelling English-language narratives.
• Lead strategic messaging for major initiatives, announcements, campaigns, and leadership communications.
• Oversee crisis and sensitive communications in coordination with senior management and relevant stakeholders.
• Support executive leadership with strategic positioning, speechwriting, and briefing materials.

3. Press Releases & Media Content

• Oversee the development of high-impact English press releases and media materials.
• Ensure press content is newsworthy, strategically positioned, and aligned with international media expectations.
• Coordinate closely with media relations teams to optimize messaging for global and regional audiences.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Arabic Editorial, Digital, Social Media, PR, and Marketing teams to ensure message alignment.
• Partner with government entities, agencies, and external consultants when required.
• Contribute to integrated communication campaigns and major public-facing initiatives.

5. Quality Control & Risk Management

• Ensure factual accuracy, compliance, and reputational risk mitigation across all English content.
• Anticipate sensitivities in political, cultural, and international contexts.
• Maintain high editorial integrity under tight deadlines and high-pressure environments.

6. People Management & Capability Building

• Coach, mentor, and develop English editors to raise overall editorial capability.
• Conduct performance reviews, workload planning, and succession development.
• Promote a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Stakeholders

• Executive Leadership
• Strategic Communications & PR Teams
• Arabic Editorial Team
• Government Entities & Partners
• External Media & Agencies

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, International Relations, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 15+ years of editorial and strategic communications experience , ideally within government, media, or large institutional environments.
• Proven experience leading English editorial teams.
• Strong background in press releases, executive communications, and strategic messaging.
• Native or near-native English proficiency (mandatory).
• Experience working in multicultural and government environments is highly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking & narrative development
• Editorial judgment and attention to detail
• Stakeholder management
• Leadership & people development
• Crisis communication
• Ability to operate under pressure and tight deadlines