Associate Account Director, Geopolitics

We are seeking a dynamic Account Director to lead a strategic communications account and contribute more widely across our geopolitics and geo-commerce practices. We are looking for expertise in global and regional politics and strategic planning, who can bring fresh ideas and thinking to our team. The candidate will be just as good at delivering strong communications counsel as strong content, with some familiarity with digital domains. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in helping clients navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, crafting effective strategic initiatives, and understanding current policy challenges facing governments and business. Strong media relationships would be a distinct advantage.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Building and managing client relationships: Establish and nurture relationships with clients, particularly those with a government / geopolitical focus, positioning APCO as a trusted advisor in navigating the global political landscape.
• Developing plans and managing resources: Strategically allocate resources to address geopolitical challenges and opportunities while ensuring effective execution of projects and initiatives.
• Achieving business objectives: Drive business growth by leveraging insights to identify emerging trends and opportunities, effectively positioning APCO to capitalize on them.
• Leading teams around business development: Lead teams in identifying and pursuing business development opportunities with a geopolitical angle, ensuring proposals and strategies are tailored to address specific client needs in this realm.
• Networking actively: Actively engage in networking events to enhance APCO's visibility and credibility, while also identifying potential clients and collaborators with whom to build strategic partnerships.
• Establish cross-regional networks: Foster collaborations and knowledge sharing across regions to deepen APCO's understanding of geopolitical dynamics and enhance its ability to provide comprehensive solutions to clients operating in multiple markets.
• Leading internal and client meetings: Provide informed insights and strategic guidance in internal and client meetings, demonstrating a deep understanding of geopolitical trends and their implications for clients' business objectives.
• Participating in external meetings and trainings: Stay updated on geopolitical developments through active participation in external meetings, conferences, and training sessions, ensuring APCO remains at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.
• Demonstrating project management abilities: Participates in annual business planning, forecasting opportunities with clients under management.
• Engaging in team members’ development: Mentor and develop team members fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within APCO.
• Promoting company initiatives: Consistently demonstrates APCO’s values in all interactions with colleagues, vendors and clients.
• Cultivating digital competencies: Integrate digital tools and platforms into geopolitical analysis and strategy development, leveraging technology to enhance the effectiveness and impact of APCO's geopolitical offerings.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 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
• Strong geopolitical understanding.
• Previous leadership experience, ideally in leading teams.
• Proven track record in project management, handling multiple projects and teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous experience developing and leading strategic communications (corporate communications, issues management, internal communications, crisis communications, etc.) plans across various industries.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative team player
• Has positive reputation internally across the APCO network and has visibility in the market as a thought leader.
• Must reside in Dubai or be willing to relocate.
• Travel might be required.
• Willing to work additional or irregular hours as needed and allowed by local regulations.