Title:  International Media Relations Specialist

Overview

We are seeking an International Media Relations Specialist to join our King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is responsible for serving as the Center’s primary point of contact for journalists and media outlets around the world. Through its Communications Unit, the organization provides media relations, content generation, and crisis communications support, while engaging with local, regional, and global print, online, and broadcast channels, as well as priority arts, culture, and design industry outlets.

Your primary role is to lead and support the Center’s international media relations efforts by developing and executing strategic media plans, managing relationships with journalists and media outlets, and supporting the Center’s positioning across priority media platforms. The role also contributes to proactive storytelling, reputation management, and strategic communications support to leadership, while ensuring effective and timely handling of media-related matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

As the successful candidate you will be required to perform the following:

• Build, maintain, and actively manage relationships with journalists and media outlets, including Tier 1 international titles, trade, niche, and special-interest publications across print, online, and broadcast channels.
• Provide functional support and advice to senior leaders on strategic media matters.
• Manage crisis communications, reputational risk, and response activities.
• Develop and execute media plans, including media partnerships, media visits, interviews, opinion editorials, and media calls.
• Prepare media plans, communications briefings, and question-and-answer materials for spokespersons and management.
• Coordinate media visits, interviews, and background briefings.
• Develop press releases and other media materials that effectively communicate the Center’s strategic objectives.
• Provide on-site media relations support during international events, conferences, and Center activities.
• Respond to media inquiries in a timely and effective manner.
• Identify and develop opportunities to engage media on high-value projects and support proactive storytelling initiatives.
• Foster strong internal relationships across the Center to support the Communications Division.

Minimum Requirements

As a successful candidate, you will have:

• You will hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized and approved program in journalism, communications, or a related field. An advanced degree is preferred.
• You will have 8 years of experience in journalism, media relations, or communications, including experience gained in either an agency or in-house setting for an arts and culture entity.
• You will have previous experience in the arts, culture, design, or creativity sectors.
• You will have experience in international media relations and strategic communications.
• You will have experience in crisis communications, reputational risk, and response management.
• You must have strong networking and relationship management skills.
• You will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the media and public relations landscape.
• Experience working in the Middle East and North Africa region is preferred.
• Familiarity with the Arabic language is preferred.
• You will be able to develop and maintain strong professional networks and perform effectively under pressure.
• You must have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a variety of requests.
• You will be detail-oriented, with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.
• You must have strong interpersonal skills.
• You must be trustworthy and able to handle confidential or sensitive topics with discretion.

Work Location and Work Schedule

Work Location: Within Saudi Arabia – To be specified in Job offer

Work Schedule: Full Time - To be specified in Job offer

Job Post Duration

Job posting start date: 03/17/2026 

Job posting end date: 12/31/2026