Director of Marketing and Communications

About the Saudi Cricket Federation (SACF)

The Saudi Cricket Federation (SACF) serves as the national governing body dedicated to the development and expansion of cricket across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its broader sports sector transformation, SACF is committed to constructing the necessary infrastructure, nurturing talent, and cultivating a passionate fan base to elevate cricket as a prominent sport within the Kingdom and establish its presence on the global cricket stage. In this dynamic environment, we are seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Director of Marketing and Communications.

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the CEO and senior leadership team, the Director of Marketing and Communications will be responsible for shaping and executing the Federation’s brand strategy, communications framework, and fan engagement initiatives. This role offers a unique opportunity to define the marketing and communications playbook for a sport in its formative stages within a rapidly growing sports market. The Director will oversee four key divisions—Marketing, Public Relations, Media, and Events—while ensuring cohesive alignment across all functions to deliver a unified and compelling narrative for Saudi cricket.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive national marketing and communications strategy that aligns with SACF’s broader growth objectives and enhances the Federation’s public profile both domestically and internationally.
• Brand Management: Lead the development of brand positioning, messaging, and creative direction across all Federation platforms and public-facing activities to ensure consistency and impact.
• Media Relations: Oversee media strategy, including proactive press engagement, spokesperson coordination, and crisis communication to manage the Federation’s reputation effectively.
• Digital and Social Media: Craft and execute a robust digital and social media strategy to amplify fan engagement, increase visibility, and foster a vibrant cricket community across the Kingdom.
• Campaign and Event Management: Plan and execute high-impact marketing campaigns and live event activations centered around national team matches, domestic tournaments, and grassroots initiatives to drive participation and enthusiasm.
• Partnership Development: Manage and nurture relationships with sponsors, broadcast partners, and external agencies, ensuring the activation of sponsorship rights and maximizing value for all stakeholders.
• Collaborative Initiatives: Work closely with international bodies such as the International Cricket Council (ICC), Asian Cricket Council (ACC), and regional federations to coordinate joint communications and promotional efforts.
• Team Leadership: Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development to section heads and the broader in-house marketing and communications team to foster a high-performing and innovative culture.
• Budget and Performance Management: Oversee the marketing and communications budget, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as reach, engagement, sentiment, and audience growth, and present regular reports to senior leadership.
• Public Representation: Represent the Federation at press conferences, industry events, and public engagements as required, serving as the primary spokesperson for marketing and communications matters.

Qualifications and Experience

• Professional Background: Minimum of eight years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, or brand management, with at least three years in a senior leadership role.
• Industry Expertise: Demonstrated experience in sports marketing, sports federations, media/broadcast, or entertainment is highly desirable.
• Brand Building: Proven ability to build or scale a brand’s public profile from inception, with a track record of driving measurable impact in visibility and engagement.
• Media Relations: Extensive experience in media relations, including managing both proactive communications and crisis scenarios with professionalism and discretion.
• Digital Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of digital and social media strategies, content creation, and emerging trends in fan engagement to maximize online presence.
• Partnership Management: Strong track record in managing sponsor and partnership relationships, including the execution of activation strategies to deliver mutual value.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities in both Arabic and English, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in all internal and external interactions.
• Leadership and Team Development: Demonstrated leadership skills with a proven ability to build, mentor, and develop high-performing teams in fast-paced environments.
• Agency Experience: Prior experience within a marketing, PR, or media agency is considered a valuable asset.
• Passion for Cricket: While not mandatory, a genuine passion for cricket or a foundational understanding of the sport is advantageous.

This role is ideal for a dynamic and strategic leader who thrives in a transformative environment and is eager to shape the future of cricket in Saudi Arabia. If you are a forward-thinking professional with a passion for sports marketing and communications, we invite you to join us in this exciting journey to elevate cricket on the national and global stage.