Public Relations & Communications Manager
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
Mal is seeking a senior PR and communications manager to build global brand authority for its ethical digital banking brand. The role requires established tier-one media relationships, proactive story pipeline management, founder thought leadership, and crisis communications expertise.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Build and own a tiered global media network across print, digital, and broadcast
- Serve as sole point of contact for all inbound press enquiries and drive outbound pitch campaigns
- Own the founder's global media profile: op eds, keynote coverage, podcast placements, panel features, interviews
- Develop and manage a forward looking thought leadership pipeline
- Drive high authority backlink acquisition through strategic media placement for SEO
- Serve as mandatory final approver for all outgoing external content
- Build annual PR and communications strategy with a fully mapped announcement calendar
- Monitor media sentiment and flag reputational risks; maintain crisis protocol
- Evaluate and vet inbound sponsorship proposals; lead negotiations and deliverable tracking
- Manage and direct external agencies with clarity and accountability
Requirements
- Senior level experience in PR, communications, or media relations, preferably in fintech, banking, or ethical finance
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Active tier one global media relationships in tech, business, and/or consumer press
- Proven expertise in managing media relations and developing media strategies
- Strong understanding of brand reputation management, including crisis communication
- Strategic mindset with ability to collaborate cross functionally
- Deep appreciation for ethical or purpose driven brands
- Comfortable in a fast paced, high growth startup environment
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage a proactive story pipeline
- Operates with urgency, discretion, attention to detail, and complete ownership
Full Job Posting
Role Overview
- This is not a traditional PR manager role; the candidate is the architect of global brand authority.
- The right candidate understands earned media at scale requires long term relationships and operates proactively.
- This is a unique opportunity to join a purpose driven brand at the forefront of ethical digital banking.
Key Responsibilities
- Global Media Strategy & Relationships: Build and own a tiered global media network; serve as sole point of contact for press enquiries.
- Founder Thought Leadership: Own the founder's global media profile; develop thought leadership pipeline.
- SEO Led PR & Digital Presence: Drive high authority backlink acquisition; maintain live tracker of published announcements.
- Communications Governance: Serve as mandatory final approver for all outgoing external content.
- Proactive Announcement & Story Pipeline: Build annual PR strategy with 90 day planning horizon.
- Crisis Communications: Monitor media sentiment; maintain live crisis protocol.
- Sponsorships: Evaluate inbound sponsorship proposals; lead negotiations.
- Team & Agency Leadership: Manage external agencies with high standards.
Must Have Qualifications
- Senior level experience in PR, communications, or media relations, preferably in fintech, banking, or ethical finance.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Active tier one global media relationships in tech, business, and/or consumer press.
- Proven expertise in managing media relations and developing media strategies.
- Strong understanding of brand reputation management, including crisis communication.
- Strategic mindset with ability to collaborate cross functionally.
- Deep appreciation for ethical or purpose driven brands.
- Comfortable in a fast paced, high growth startup environment.
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage a proactive story pipeline.
- Operates with urgency, discretion, attention to detail, and complete ownership.
Nice to Have
- Fluency in Arabic.
- Network of global media contacts.
- Preferential media monitoring tools.
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