Public Engagement Lead

Public Engagement Lead – Lead Strategic Community and Stakeholder Relations in Riyadh

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Public Engagement Lead to join our team in Riyadh. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing public engagement strategies that foster meaningful connections between our organization and key stakeholders, including government entities, private sector partners, and the broader community. Your leadership will be instrumental in enhancing our reputation, driving social impact initiatives, and ensuring transparent, two-way communication with all relevant parties.

As a Public Engagement Lead, you will play a central role in shaping our public presence by developing and executing tailored engagement plans that align with organizational objectives. You will collaborate closely with senior management, marketing teams, and external partners to create initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences while maintaining a consistent and professional brand voice. Your ability to analyze public sentiment, anticipate trends, and adapt strategies accordingly will be critical to our success in building trust and credibility within the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive public engagement strategies that support organizational goals, including corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, government relations, and community outreach programs.
• Stakeholder Management: Identify, engage, and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, industry leaders, non-profit organizations, and local communities. Act as the primary liaison to ensure alignment and mutual benefit in all engagements.
• Content Development and Communication: Create compelling content for public-facing communications, including press releases, social media updates, reports, and presentations. Ensure messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with brand values while addressing stakeholder concerns and interests.
• Event Coordination: Organize and oversee high-impact public events, forums, and roundtable discussions that facilitate dialogue, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities. Manage logistics, invitations, and post-event follow-ups to maximize engagement and outcomes.
• Crisis and Reputation Management: Monitor public sentiment and media coverage to proactively identify potential risks or opportunities. Develop and execute crisis communication plans to mitigate reputational damage and maintain public trust during challenging situations.
• Performance Measurement: Establish and track KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of public engagement initiatives. Prepare regular reports for leadership, highlighting successes, areas for improvement, and recommendations for future strategies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, corporate communications, legal, and operational teams to ensure a cohesive and unified approach to public engagement. Serve as a bridge between internal departments and external stakeholders to foster collaboration and alignment.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel in this role, you should possess a blend of strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and a deep understanding of public relations and stakeholder management. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in designing and executing public engagement initiatives, along with exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., CIPR, APR) is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in public engagement, corporate communications, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role. Experience in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, and social media platforms. Familiarity with media monitoring tools and public opinion research methodologies is beneficial.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels. Strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in both Arabic and English is required. Additional languages are a valuable asset.

Why Join Us?

As a Public Engagement Lead, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact by shaping the public perception of a leading organization in Riyadh. You will work alongside a talented and diverse team, contribute to high-profile initiatives, and play a key role in driving the organization’s growth and social responsibility agenda. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, along with professional development opportunities to support your long-term career growth.

If you are a passionate and strategic thinker with a passion for public engagement and stakeholder relations, we invite you to apply and become a driving force in our mission to build lasting connections and positive change.