Company Overview
A leading UAE-based economy news channel.
Position Summary
- We are seeking a Director – Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships to develop and execute comprehensive partnership strategies, build strong PR networks, manage strategic sponsorships and commercial opportunities, and contribute to strategic expansion while preserving editorial integrity.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and develop high-level strategic networks with holding companies and regional/international organizations to establish long-term partnerships.
- Engage C-Level executives and decision-makers to present creative publishing solutions and media packages.
- Represent the organization at economic and media forums and conferences and manage tactical media partnerships in targeted markets.
- Draft and execute strategic MoUs and sponsorship contracts with partners.
- Organize events promoting the brand and develop marketing-ready proposals and creative packages with Multimedia and Social Media teams.
- Oversee B2B sponsorship commitments and ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled.
- Manage commercial and advertising request intake within structured partnership and sponsorship frameworks.
- Ensure paid content is transparently labelled and maintain a clear separation between commercial content and independent editorial content.
- Coordinate with the Managing Editor on proposed publishing opportunities and obtain alignment with editorial schedules and policies.
- Analyze media market trends and propose innovative funding and commercial models, including content partnerships, events and dedicated sponsorships.
- Develop contribution strategies for C-Suite executives, including opinion pieces, interviews linked to advertising packages and annual partnerships.
- Coordinate between partners’ commercial requirements and the production capabilities of Multimedia, Social Media and the Newsroom.
Mandatory Requirements
- Demonstrated experience developing strategic partnerships and PR networks with business, financial, governmental and private-sector entities.
- Strong experience engaging C-Level executives and senior decision-makers.
- Experience in strategic partnerships, sponsorships, media/commercial packages or related business development activities.
- Experience drafting or managing MoUs, sponsorship agreements and partnership contracts.
- Ability to manage commercial opportunities while maintaining a clear distinction between advertising/commercial content and editorial content.
- Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination skills.
Preferred Industry Background
- Media and communications
- Publishing and digital media
- Strategic partnerships and sponsorships
- Corporate communications / public relations
- Business development with institutional or C-Suite stakeholders
Qualifications & Requirements
Education
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Mass Communication, English, Media Studies or a related discipline.
Experience
- Demonstrated experience in strategic partnerships, sponsorships, PR networks and senior stakeholder engagement.
Technical Skills
- Strategic partnership development
- Sponsorship and commercial proposal development
- Contract / MoU management
- Stakeholder and C-Suite engagement
- Cross-functional coordination
Core Competencies
- Strategic thinking
- Relationship building
- Negotiation
- Commercial awareness
- Communication
- Stakeholder management
- Leadership
- Cross-functional collaboration
Additional Information
- Availability: [1- 2 months notice period]
- Languages: Arabic, English
- Travel Requirements: [Insert requirements]
- Work Arrangement: Office-based / hybrid
Interested?
If this opportunity matches your skills and experience, we’d love to hear from you.