We are looking for a Director, Financial Communications to join our Dubai office in a newly created role. The Director will lead APCO\xe2\x80\x99s financial communications and Investor Relations offer in MENA, alongside APCO\xe2\x80\x99s recently acquired London headquartered financial communications consultancy, Camarco.

We are looking for a candidate with experience managing multiple, large clients in the Capital Markets to help them protect and promote their reputations by helping them communicate with all critical stakeholders to meet their business and social objectives and enhance their valuations.

The position is based in Dubai and interfaces with all levels of staff, participates in management meetings, serves as the primary client contact, and manages client relationships. The role report to our leadership team in MENA on regional matters and to Camarco in respect of financial communications matters.

Primary duties and responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic finance communications plans to amplify the company\xe2\x80\x99s narrative regarding its financial positioning, business focus and strategic direction to internal and external audiences.
• Partner with finance and enterprise-wide stakeholders to develop optimal strategies that ensure clear and consistent approaches to managing the communications around IPOs, M&A, restructurings, earnings communications, and other financial disclosures and regulatory issues.
• Develop and execute overall communication and engagement activities in support of the strategies and priorities of the company and finance function.
• Elevate the financial communications function by providing subject and industry matter expertise.
• Manage executive communication, including supporting agency-wide events, initiatives and meetings, and developing leaders as official spokespersons for the consultancy.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key financial media, sell-side analysts, trade media, influential stakeholder, and communication partners.
• Achieve established business and professional objectives.
• Lead teams around business development opportunities in the capital markets and manage proposal process ensuring accurate scoping/budgeting of opportunity.
• Establish and manage a network of trusted relationships within investment banks in the region for new business development.
• Pitch APCO / Camarco\xe2\x80\x99s capital markets capabilities to funds and companies in the region to generate new business.
• Establish strong cross-regional network and engage in productive exchanges with colleagues to promote knowledge sharing and business opportunities, promoting the skills of others.
• Work seamlessly with the Camarco team in London. Camarco is APCO\xe2\x80\x99s newly acquired capital market communications division with a mandate to grow the capital markets offering at APCO globally.
• Confidently lead internal and client meetings, offering knowledgeable observations and suggestions; establishing credibility by insights shared; encouraging and motivating others to communicate ideas.
• Serve as principal client contact; knows when to leverage senior level relationships within APCO to further build the relationship within the client organization.
• Proactively identify and participate in external meetings and trainings to enhance sector knowledge and contacts.
• Demonstrate an understanding of effective project management, can effectively address issues, and understands how account engagements tie to APCO\xe2\x80\x99s business management.
• Maintain awareness of company initiatives and actively promotes them within their project teams.
• Demonstrate performance in growing clients organically and new prospects.
• Share opportunities across the network looking for the best resources to service the account(s).
• Consistently demonstrates APCO\xe2\x80\x99s values in all interactions with colleagues, vendors and clients.
• Participate in annual business planning, forecasting opportunity with clients under management.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years supporting internal and external finance communications.
• Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field or equivalent.
• Solid project management experience and a proven ability to manage multiple projects and client initiatives and teams of both junior and senior colleagues in a fast-paced environment.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative team player.
• Has positive reputation internally across the APCO network and has visibility in the market as a thought leader.
• Broad media relations expertise and contacts.
• Proven ability to manage vendors and agencies.
• Ability to edit materials, develop clear and crisp media statements, and write speeches and presentations for executives.
• Willingness to travel across the MENA region and to London and New York.

Work Conditions

The physical abilities needed to perform the duties of this position, in addition to the office climate:

• Office environment is general office setting.
• Some travel may be required.
• Must reside in Dubai or be willing to relocate.
• Willing to work additional or irregular hours as needed and allowed by local regulations.

Talent Pal