Head of Corporate Affairs

Head of Corporate Affairs & Operations Based in: Dubai, UAE Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Client Type: Leading integrated media and communications organisation About Iris Executives Iris Executives is the UAE’s leading Emiratisation and Executive Search specialist, connecting senior leaders with influential organisations since 2010. We partner with government, semi-government, and major private-sector clients to deliver exceptional leadership talent across strategy, operations, and communications. Role Overview The Head of Corporate Affairs & Operations plays a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation — blending external brand leadership with internal operational excellence. Acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO, this person will shape the company’s reputation, drive consistent communications, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders while ensuring internal alignment and clarity. This is a senior strategic position suited to a native English-speaking leader (any nationality, preference for female candidates) with a proven track record in communications, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional management. Key Responsibilities 1. Corporate Communications, PR & Brand Strategy Lead a cohesive corporate communications and brand narrative that strengthens market presence. Oversee all public and media relations, press materials, and thought-leadership content. Develop corporate brand guidelines and ensure consistent messaging across channels. Guide executive communications for the CEO and leadership team. Oversee corporate and leadership social media presence. 2. Reputation & Crisis Management Build and maintain proactive reputation and crisis management frameworks. Monitor public sentiment, manage risks, and ensure brand resilience. Lead high-sensitivity communication initiatives in partnership with Legal and HR. 3. Internal Communications & Culture Alignment Design clear internal communication frameworks to enhance alignment and engagement. Translate corporate strategy and values into inspiring internal messages. Drive culture-building campaigns, leadership updates, and internal storytelling. 4. Strategic Relationships & Commercial Partnerships Strengthen key relationships with clients, partners, and government stakeholders. Support commercial and business development teams to align messaging with revenue objectives. Represent the organisation externally alongside the CEO to build long-term strategic value. 5. Operational Excellence & Process Improvement Introduce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and structured playbooks that scale efficiency. Improve cross-functional collaboration and internal clarity. Lead strategic projects that enhance both business operations and brand alignment. 6. Strategic Projects & Growth Support Support new business launches, rebrands, and corporate development initiatives. Ensure communication and operations are aligned with growth priorities. Requirements Three Must-Haves (Core Experiential DNA): Strategic Communicator and Brand Steward – Has led or shaped a communications or brand strategy function, developing executive thought leadership and consistent brand positioning across multiple channels. Commercially Savvy Relationship Builder – Experienced in managing high-value stakeholder ecosystems (clients, partners, or government bodies) to strengthen reputation and drive business outcomes. Organisational Integrator and Process Improver – Has successfully introduced operational clarity, internal alignment, or process frameworks that improve collaboration and execution. Additional Attributes: Strong written, verbal, and visual storytelling skills. Proven leadership capability with senior stakeholder exposure. Minimum 6 years’ experience in corporate affairs, communications, or operations leadership. Exposure to media, communications, or fast-paced industries preferred. Experience in the UAE or GCC is an advantage. What This Role Is — and What It’s Not · Reputation governance: Create systems for managing media, reputational risk, and official statements. · Internal alignment: Designing information flow and leadership communication across departments. · Stakeholder management: Structuring engagement with clients, partners, and government bodies. · Operational consistency: Creating playbooks and SOPs that ensure cross-functional clarity and efficiency. Corporate Affairs ensures the company acts, speaks, and responds as one organisation — not a collection of departments. WHAT IT IS NOT: This is not a traditional communications or PR position. While a PR or Communications Manager focuses on media activity and brand visibility, this role sits above that — designing the system that governs how communication, reputation, and operations work together. A PR Manager writes and distributes messages; the Head of Corporate Affairs & Operations decides how, when, and through what structure those messages are created, approved, and aligned with the company’s strategy. Likewise, this role is not a COO — it doesn’t run every department — but it does connect them. It ensures Marketing, HR, Legal, and Operations move in the same direction and speak the same language. It’s also not a Chief of Staff. The difference is scale: this person shapes how the whole organisation communicates and behaves, not just how the CEO’s office operates. Why This Opportunity Stands Out This is a strategic seat beside the CEO of a leading regional media group — shaping how the company looks, speaks, and operates. It’s ideal for someone who wants to own both the story and the system — driving brand strength, organisational clarity, and commercial alignment in one of the most visible media environments in the Middle East. Benefits Comprehensive package including medical coverage and annual leave entitlement. Additional allowances and benefits will be discussed confidentially at later stages. Industry Media, Communications, and Events Why This Opportunity Stands Out Direct proximity to the CEO and senior decision-making. Unique blend of corporate affairs, strategic communications, and operational leadership. Opportunity to shape both the external brand narrative and internal culture of a high-profile media organisation. Exposure to diverse commercial, digital, and partnership ecosystems across the region. How to Apply To express your interest, please send your CV or request the Iris Executives Data Form. All applications will be handled with complete confidentiality. Compensation will be discussed individually based on experience and impact.