Manager Communications (UAE National Only)

To manage a broad and evolving portfolio of communications projects, engaging confidently across a wide range of stakeholders, from executive leadership and internal business units to media, government entities, agencies and community partners. To translate business priorities into powerful external narratives that build Etihad's reach, credibility and reputation across the airline's corporate, social and community priorities. To own media and public relations, position the airline across new and established markets, both locally and regionally, and research media landscapes to identify the channels, partners and opportunities that deliver impact, all through integrated bilingual communications aligned to business needs.

• Manage the development, approval and distribution of content for external channels in Arabic and English, including press releases and statements, and maintain the bilingual key messages and narrative frameworks that underpin the portfolios.
• Coordinate responses to media requests about the airline and its divisions, preparing written statements on the company's behalf and maintaining a regular exchange of information with the media.
• Identify positive PR opportunities, arrange and escort media familiarisation trips, produce press packs and coordinate media for events such as route launches.
• Explore and assess media landscapes across different markets, mapping key outlets and opportunities to support route launches and portfolio campaigns.
• Lead communications across Etihad's corporate, social and community priorities, for example the Emiratisation agenda, CSR initiatives in the UAE and internationally, ESG commitments and the airline's contribution to the Abu Dhabi Community Engagement Strategy, translating each into clear, accurate and credible narratives, working with the relevant departments to verify all information before publication, and coordinating with government and community stakeholders to align activity with national and emirate priorities.
• Build and manage the external profiles of executive spokespeople, securing interviews, opinion pieces, speaking platforms and media opportunities, and preparing detailed briefing packs ahead of engagements.
• Craft speeches, talking points and scripts that give the executive leadership team a clear and consistent voice at media events, conferences and public platforms, translating business priorities into messages that resonate with each audience.
• Brief, manage and evaluate PR agencies and suppliers across markets, ensuring quality, consistency and value from external partners.
• Monitor and evaluate coverage, sentiment and share of voice across Arabic and English media, producing regular reporting with insight and recommendations to sharpen future activity.
• Monitor the external environment for emerging issues and reputational risk, preparing reactive statements, holding lines and Q&A in both languages, and escalating as appropriate.
• Manage stakeholders from executive leadership to departmental content owners, advising on tone, style and content, and running the portfolios as concurrent projects with clear timelines and deliverables.
• Support corporate emergency procedures during disruption and major incidents as required.

• Degree-level education or a professional qualification in journalism, communications or a related field.
• At least five years of communications experience, or Press Office, PR agency or journalism experience. An aviation or aerospace background is advantageous.
• Bilingual Arabic and English: able to write and proofread quickly, under pressure and to a high standard.
• Established relationships with UAE and regional media, or a demonstrated ability to build them quickly.
• Familiarity with Abu Dhabi government and community stakeholders and the emirate's strategic priorities is a strong advantage.
• Proven experience producing content across a range of channels, with a strong emphasis on digital.
• Experience briefing and managing external agencies, and confidence interpreting media monitoring and evaluation data.
• Strong planning and project management skills, with a proven ability to run multiple communications projects concurrently, manage competing deadlines and keep stakeholders aligned from brief to delivery.
• Creative and editorially rigorous, with a sharp eye for detail and the judgement to know what will resonate.
• Proficient in MS Office: the highest standards of presentation and administrative skills are expected.
• Flexibility: the nature of the department's work can result in the need to work extra unsociable hours with little or no notice.

Etihad Airways is more than the UAE’s national airline - we’re shaping the future of global aviation. From our hub in Abu Dhabi, we connect people across continents and cultures, while driving our “Journey 2030” ambition to double our fleet, expand our network and grow our people for a new era of excellence. Join us and become part of a vision where the world is your workplace and extraordinary experiences take flight.

To learn more visit www.etihad.com

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