PR Group Account Director - Destination, Sport, Entertainment & Culture
Burson · Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
About this role
Who we are:
Burson, part of WPP, is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.
WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com
For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
More about the role:
We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Riyadh-based PR Group Account Director (or Account Director) to join our Destination, Sport, Entertainment & Culture team. In this pivotal role, you will lead high-impact public relations initiatives for some of the region's most significant and exciting projects. You will be responsible for driving strategic client relations, fostering robust media engagement across the Arabic media landscape, and providing exemplary leadership to your team.
What you'll do:
- Lead the development and execution of strategic PR and communications plans, overseeing integrated campaigns across destination, sport, entertainment, and culture sectors.
- Cultivate and manage strong client relationships, leading regular meetings, handling ongoing requests, and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality outputs.
- Develop and own deep relationships with key Arabic media contacts, including journalists and editors, to drive proactive and reactive media engagement and secure impactful coverage.
- Oversee the strategic planning and flawless execution of all media FAM trips, coordinating closely with KSA Account Executives for logistical support.
- Craft compelling briefing documents, media briefs, key messages, and background materials, ensuring alignment with client strategic narratives and media positioning.
- Provide expert on-ground communications support for major events, launches, and press engagements, ensuring seamless coordination with media and stakeholders.
- Monitor and analyze campaign performance, timelines, and deliverables to ensure successful execution, strategic alignment, and measurable outcomes.
- Lead, guide, and mentor the KSA team, fostering clear accountability, efficient project delivery, and consistent quality control across all client deliverables.
Experience that contributes to success:
- Proven experience as an Account Director or Group Account Director within a public relations agency setting.
- Extensive and demonstrable background in public relations within the destination, sport, entertainment, or culture sectors.
- Strong media relations expertise, with a particular focus on and established connections within the Arabic media landscape.
- Exceptional ability to develop and produce high-quality Arabic content and compelling communication materials.
- Fully bilingual proficiency in both written and spoken Arabic and English is essential.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, with a track record of effectively guiding, mentoring, and overseeing PR teams.
- A strong portfolio showcasing successful strategic planning, integrated campaign management, and client relationship excellence.
- Practical experience in providing on-ground communications support and managing press engagements for high-profile events.
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You belong at Burson:
Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.
At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
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About Burson
Burson is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation. Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram .
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