Digital Lead

About APCO Worldwide in the Middle East
Home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world, the Middle East
and Africa (MENA) region has a pivotal role to play in driving global
conversations - from environmental policies to religion and pop culture. The
UAE and Saudi Arabia are clear leaders in this equation, although the wave of
innovation continues to transcend borders.
APCO launched its regional operations in ‎2006 in Dubai. Growing from a team of
less than ‎30 consultants, APCO today has more than ‎200 people from ‎30+
countries working in teams across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, JeddahManama and
Kuwait. Our projects also take us to Cairo, Amman, Muscat, Beirut and other
markets in the Levant.
With a portfolio of more than ‎100 clients, APCO's MENA offices deliver public
relations and digital communication support and advisory services across the
government, health, food, consumer & retail, finance, technology, real estate
& hospitality, non-profit and public affairs practices. The region also offers
specialized services, created for the Middle East, such as our Build-Operate-
Transfer (BOT) model. We serve government, corporate and social sector clients
across a wide array of industries and focus areas.
In addition, APCO's global AI Comms Lab, a first-of-its-kind innovation center
which utilizes artificial intelligence to build and protect the reputations of
major global brands, governments and organizations is driven from the Dubai
office.
From helping governments connect with the private sector and civil society, to
supporting the Pope's historic visit to the region and launching iconic
brands, destinations and giga projects, we understand the nuances of the
Middle East and how entities in the region interact with the rest of the
world. We pride ourselves on making an impact for our clients and a positive
impact on the world.
The Role
Digital strategists partner with clients to develop, launch and optimize their
digital business strategies. Our digital strategy group is a collaborative
group that works alongside our creative and technology teams and is a fully
integrated part of our client servicing teams. Strategists have a passion for
turning insight into big, bold ideas. We 're looking for communicators,
strategists, planners that combine killer research skills with an ability to
discover and articulate insights and how those insights inform a
communications strategy. Our strategists are responsible for establishing the
strategic direction and thoughtful implementation of programs for a portfolio
of clients. In addition to client-oriented solutions, you will be expected to
think of new research projects, methods and strategy products APCO can develop
to provide value in new ways. You will be proactive, spark debate and seen as
a resource able to consistently deliver high quality, actionable thinking.
Responsibilities
* Lead digital strategy engagements with a strong focus on analytics, meaningful digital experiences and well-coordinated influencer engagement with top-notch content
* Connect with clients to identify key strategic challenge(s) and business, communications and digital needs to be addressed; evaluate scope of strategic engagement
* Proactively suggest strategic direction for clients, but also be capable of 'hands-on' delivery when necessary to ensure strategic execution
* Work cross-functionally with other APCO colleagues, client partners, discipline leads, specialists and other internal partners
* Collaborate with colleagues in other offices
* Lead RFP responses in terms of strategy, creative thinking and tactical executions
* Partner with client services to help grow key large accounts and ensure client satisfaction
* Lead large scale projects and events managing large teams and multiple stakeholders
Minimum Requirements
* ‎8+ years ' experience in a digital environment, developing digital strategies and plans and managing implementation of digital communication programs at scale
* Successful track record of delivering strategically thoughtful projects that deliver measurable impact
* Excellent knowledge of the entire digital ecosystem (Social media, SEO, SEM, web development, digital advertising, social media advertising)
* Very strong project management and technical skills including content development
* Experience in industry-standard analytics and big data tools
* Excellent communications skills and strong client management
* A great storyteller and story maker
* Talent to manage clients from multiple backgrounds and industries