Journalist Jobs in Riyadh.
All active Journalist roles based in Riyadh.
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Associate Director | Director International Media Relations (Bilingual- Arabic & English)
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Who we are:
Burson, part of WPP, is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.
WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com
For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
More about the role:
We are looking for a senior, bilingual International Media Relations professional to join Burson as part of a dedicated seconded team embedded within the Corporate Communications function of a high-profile global organisation operating at the intersection of energy, policy and international affairs.
This role sits at the heart of complex, high-stakes communications across regional and international markets. You will lead strategic media engagement, shape narratives that resonate across Arabic and international press, and serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders navigating an evolving geopolitical and business landscape. Experience across energy, oil, gas or adjacent regulated sectors will be highly advantageous.
This is an opportunity for a commercially astute communications leader who thrives in sophisticated environments and understands the nuance of operating within regionally sensitive, globally visible mandates.
What you'll do:
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Lead international and regional media strategy development and execution across Arabic and global markets
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Serve as a senior counsel to client leadership on proactive and reactive media engagement
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Develop clear, compelling messaging frameworks, Q&A documents and media responses
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Oversee press office operations including media planning, pitching and journalist engagement
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Build and maintain strong relationships with Tier 1 Arabic and international media
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Manage high-profile announcements, executive interviews and press conferences
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Provide crisis communications support including rapid response planning and issue mitigation
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Collaborate with Burson and client stakeholders to ensure narrative consistency across markets
Experience that contributes to success:
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Fluent in Arabic and English (spoken and written) with exceptional drafting capability in both languages
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Proven experience in international media relations at Associate Director or Director level within an agency or in-house corporate communications team
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Strong, established media network across GCC and wider regional press
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Deep understanding of the Middle East media landscape and its geopolitical sensitivities
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Experience supporting senior executives with media preparation and reputation management
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Background in energy, oil, gas, infrastructure or other complex regulated sectors preferred
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Demonstrated experience managing issues and crisis communications
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Ability to operate confidently within embedded/seconded environments and complex stakeholder structures
If you are a strategic, bilingual media leader ready to operate at the forefront of international communications, we would love to here from you.
#LI-NE1
You belong at Burson:
Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.
At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
When you click the "Submit Application" button below, this will send any information you add below to Burson. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.
Ready to apply?
Apply to Burson
Who we are:
Burson, part of WPP, is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.
WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com
For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
More about the role:
Burson, a global communications leader within the WPP network, is seeking a driven and experienced Account Manager to join our team to work across practices including Corporate, Health & Wellness and Energy & Industrials team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This pivotal role is central to creating value for our clients, and you will be instrumental in developing and executing impactful communications strategies, providing expert counsel, and driving media engagement to achieve tangible business outcomes, all while working in a fast-paced and high-volume environment.
What you'll do:
- Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for a portfolio of clients across key sectors.
- Oversee and manage account activities, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to high-quality standards.
- Contribute to and implement integrated corporate communications strategies, aligning with client objectives.
- Lead the placement and written development of high-impact thought leadership content, including op-eds and articles.
- Lead comprehensive media relations activities, including building media lists, proactive pitching, and journalist engagement.
- Actively mentor and guide junior team members, fostering their professional development.
- Thrive in a client-servicing environment, efficiently managing multiple priorities and complex campaigns.
- Continuously build knowledge and expertise in client-related sectors, anticipating challenges and opportunities
Experience that contributes to success:
- Proven track record in communications, ideally supporting clients in healthcare, renewable energy, sustainability, industrials, or government sectors.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in communications and media relations, preferably from an agency background.
- Prior experience at a Senior Account Executive (SAE) or Account Manager (AM) level is highly preferred.
- Demonstrated strong capabilities as a corporate communications and media relations operator.
- Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage complex projects and high-volume workloads effectively.
- A natural ability to build strong client relationships and provide confident, informed counsel.
- Proficiency in developing and executing B2B and Corporate communication strategies that drive measurable results.
- Bi-lingual (Arabic) preferred.
#LI-RE1
You belong at Burson:
Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.
At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
When you click the "Submit Application" button below, this will send any information you add below to Burson. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.
Ready to apply?
Apply to Burson