Media Relations Lead Specialist

About the Role

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority is seeking a Media Relations Lead Specialist to join their team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role is for an experienced professional capable of working with general direction, focusing on developing solutions to challenges requiring analysis and addressing escalated issues. The specialist will undertake complex operational activities, including developing detailed responses to media mentions, securing media space, and monitoring performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct internal assessments to identify gaps and requirements in traditional media channels.
• Research leading practices and policies in media relations for implementation at ZATCA.
• Develop media strategies, policies, and processes for efficient information dissemination via traditional channels.
• Create implementation plans, schedules, calendars, and budgets for media relations activities.
• Develop media monitoring and reporting approaches, including screening plans to achieve PR objectives.
• Formulate detailed responses to media mentions in traditional channels, aligning with communication strategy and ZATCA’s interests.
• Identify, assess, recommend, and engage with suitable media partners across traditional channels.
• Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and global media partners.
• Secure advertising space in various mass media forms through negotiation, purchasing, and monitoring.
• Coordinate with the Spokesperson for media appearances and prepare for interviews.
• Manage external communication for traditional channels (newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, billboards) to protect ZATCA’s image.
• Publish communication, promotional, and advertisement material across traditional channels.
• Perform coverage and documentation of ZATCA's external and internal contributions.

Media Relations Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor the execution of media strategy, recommend corrective actions, and escalate discrepancies.
• Monitor the dissemination of marketing and communication content for traditional channels to ensure brand alignment.
• Develop and distribute surveys, collect media reach metrics, and analyze results for enhanced planning and branding strategy optimization.
• Develop periodical reports highlighting findings for improvement based on the media monitoring plan.
• Monitor and evaluate media agencies’ performance in terms of quality, capacity, and cost, providing suggestions to management.

Organizational Operations

• Adhere to all relevant policies, processes, and standard operating procedures.
• Assist in resolving escalated problems and provide support to junior team members.
• Escalate complex issues to the appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 5 to 10 years of relevant experience is required for this role.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct work with general directions and develop solutions to complex challenges.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The role involves working within a professional environment, contributing to the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority's media relations efforts.