Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an award-winning, independently owned
global communication and business strategy firm with offices in major cities
throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. APCO
combines a global perspective with local expertise to help clients around the
world manage challenges, opportunities, perceptions and reputations. APCO
clients include corporations and governments; industry associations and
nonprofit organizations; and six of the top 10 companies on the Fortune 500.
The firm is a majority women-owned business.
The role
The Director is responsible for the management of large/ Multiple client
relationships. He/She is responsible for managing a book of business through
the management of client projects, supervising project teams, allocating
resources, and delegating projects and tasks effectively.
This role requires a firm grasp of strategy and planning skills to meet
client's objectives, develop communication plans, and manage budgets. Building
new business opportunities is also integral to this position, including
finding way to grow existing projects.
The Director interfaces with all levels of staff, participates in management
meetings, serves as the primary client contact and manages the client
relationship, and is brought in to resolve client issues on smaller accounts
managed by Associate Directors or Consultants.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
* Builds and manages large client relationships effectively building confidence in APCO as a trusted business partner, while preserving APCO's interest in the business relationship
* Develops plans and manages resources to achieve team goals effectively to increase likelihood for success
* Achieves established business and professional objectives
* Leads teams around business development opportunities and manages proposal process ensuring accurate scoping/budgeting of opportunity
* Networks actively to increase visibility of APCO and to identify new business prospects as routine activity
* Establishes strong cross-regional network and engages in productive exchanges with colleagues to promote knowledge sharing and business opportunities; promoting the skills of others
* Confidently leads internal and client meetings, offering knowledgeable observations and suggestions; establishing credibility by insights shared; encouraging and motivating others to communicate ideas
* Serves as principal client contact; knows when to leverage senior level relationships within APCO to further build the relationship within the client organization
* Actively networks
* Proactively identifies and participates in external meetings and trainings to enhance sector knowledge and contacts
* Demonstrates an understanding of effective project management, can effectively address issues, and understands how account engagements tie to APCO's business management
* Takes ownership and actively engages in team member development; demonstrating thoughtful planning to increase individual skill sets by setting smart objectives
* Maintains awareness of company initiatives and actively promotes them within their project teams
* Meets or exceeds assigned utilization/ABP targets
* Demonstrates performance in growing clients organically and new prospects
* Shares opportunities across the network looking for the best resources to service the account(s)
* Consistently demonstrates APCO's values in all interactions with colleagues, vendors and clients
* Participates in annual business planning, forecasting opportunity with clients under management
* Cultivates an environment in which development of digital competencies among the team are emphasized
* Leads by example by applying digital strategy and thinking directly and integrating it fully into client work
Competencies
* Leadership skills
* Excellent Verbal and Written communication skills
* Strategic Communication skills
* Mentorship skills
* Client Management skills
* Project Management skills
* Excellent analytical skills
Requirements
* A minimum of 10 years of PR/strategic communications, public affairs or media experience - agency experience is a plus
* Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field or equivalent
* Solid project management experience and a proven ability to manage multiple projects and client initiatives and teams of both junior and senior colleagues in a fast-paced environment
* Previous experience developing and leading strategic communications (corporate communications, issues management, internal communications, crisis communications, etc.)
* A strong generalist with Travel, tourism, hospitality or destination experience is a plus.
* Entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative team player
* Has positive reputation internally across the APCO network and has visibility in the market as a thought leader
Work Conditions
* The physical abilities needed to perform the duties of this position, in addition to the office climate:
* Office environment is general office setting
* Some travel may be required
* Must reside in Riyadh or be willing to relocate
* Willing to work additional or irregular hours as needed and allowed by local regulations
About APCO in the Middle East and North Africa
Home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world, the Middle East
and North Africa 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 10 consultants, APCO today has over 200 people from 26 countries
working in teams across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Manama and Kuwait and our
projects take us to countries across the region and the Levant. APCO was
awarded Best Agency in the Middle East by PRWeek in 2019 and Best Agency to
Work for: EMEA Network by PRovoke Media in 2017 and 2019.
With a portfolio of over 100 clients, APCO's MENA offices deliver public
relations and digital communication support across 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 and our
Compass and License to Operate offerings.
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
and destinations, we understand the nuances of the MENA region and pride
ourselves on making an impact.