Public Relations & Communications Manager

This is not a traditional PR manager role. We are not looking for someone who sends press releases and maintains a spreadsheet of journalist contacts. We are building global brand authority from the ground up, and this person is the architect of that narrative.

The right candidate understands that earned media at scale requires relationships that take years to build, and comes in already holding them. They operate proactively, not reactively. They think in story arcs, not announcements. And they treat our founder's visibility as a strategic asset, not a scheduling exercise.

If your strongest reference is a regional outlet, this is not the role for you.

This is a unique opportunity to join a purpose-driven brand at the forefront of ethical digital banking. You will have the chance to lead impactful PR strategies, drive media relations, and build strong relationships that elevate Mal’s profile in the region and globally.

Key Responsibilities

Global Media Strategy & Relationships

• Build and own a tiered global media network across print, digital, and broadcast — with tier-one targets including international business, tech, and industry press
• Come in with established, active relationships at leading global outlets, not a contact list you last used two years ago
• Serve as the sole point of contact for all inbound press enquiries and proactively drive outbound pitch campaigns
• Maintain a live, tiered outlet and journalist database with relationship status, coverage history, and pipeline activity
• Identify and pursue strategic media opportunities 60–90 days ahead (never reactive, always prepositioned)
• Propose new strategies to attract global and relevant journalists i.e. Private media round tables, Flying out journalists for an exclusive interview with our Founder “behind the build” etc.

Founder Thought Leadership

• Own the founder's global media profile as a strategic priority: op-eds, keynote coverage, podcast placements, panel features, and interviews with tier-one outlets
• Develop and manage a forward-looking thought leadership pipeline (angles, narratives, and story hooks planned well in advance)
• Brief and prepare the founder and/or C-Suite for every media interaction; handle all scheduling through the Founder’s EA with prior written approval
• Ensure all founder-facing content is consistent, strategically timed, and contributes to long-term positioning
• Pitch to wish-list events and podcasts for speaking opportunities

SEO-Led PR & Digital Presence

• Own the intersection of PR and organic search: drive high-authority backlink acquisition through strategic media placement
• Maintain a live tracker of all published announcements, press features, and founder mentions, indexed for discoverability and SEO value
• Audit existing digital footprint and prioritise placement strategy based on domain authority and search relevance (in collaboration with SEO team)
• Coordinate with content teams to ensure press coverage translates into owned-channel SEO value and social platforms

Communications Governance

• Serve as mandatory final approver for all outgoing external content: press releases, statements, executive quotes, social posts, advertorials, and interviews
• Enforce a zero-bypass approval workflow, no external communication is published without written sign-off, regardless of seniority
• Maintain a centralised tracker of all approved, live, and in-progress communications: one source of truth
• Nothing involving the founder is scheduled or confirmed without his approval

Proactive Announcement & Story Pipeline

• Build the annual PR and communications strategy with a fully mapped announcement calendar (minimum 90-day planning horizon)
• Identify and engineer newsworthy story angles around company milestones, product launches, team expansion, partnerships, and market moments
• Manage the timing and sequencing of announcements to maximise media impact and avoid cannibalisation
• Proactively brief key journalists and outlets ahead of embargoed announcements to secure committed coverage

Crisis Communications

• Monitor media sentiment and flag reputational risks before they escalate (real-time awareness is non-negotiable)
• Maintain a live crisis protocol with pre-approved response frameworks for high-likelihood scenarios

Sponsorships

• Evaluate and vet all inbound sponsorship proposals against brand alignment, audience relevance, and ROI potential
• Lead negotiations, contracting, and deliverable tracking for all active sponsorship properties
• Approve all sponsorship-related communications, co-branded content, and activations before publication
• Provide quarterly performance and renewal assessments per property

Team & Agency Leadership

• Manage and direct external agencies when relevant, with clarity, accountability, and high standards
• Lead and hold external agencies to performance (they work for us, not the other way around)
• Operate with full ownership of this function; this role requires zero hand-holding

Must-Have Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in PR, communications, or media relations, preferably in fintech, banking, or ethical finance sectors
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a keen ability to adapt messages for diverse audiences
• Active, tier-one global media relationships in tech, business, and/or consumer press that can be activated immediately
• Proven expertise in managing media relations and developing media strategies for brand awareness
• Strong understanding of brand reputation management, including crisis communication
• Strategic mindset with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels
• 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, not just react to inbound
• 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