Communications Director and Principal Consultant at Cliffside Content (2024-04 – Present)
- Partner with executive leaders of mission-driven organizations to develop and implement tailored communications strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Transform complex technical information and data into compelling brand narratives that effectively engage target audiences and enhance organizational visibility.
- Establish communications foundations, policies, practices and narrative strategies that support organizational mission, vision, and strategic business goals.
Director of Communications at Houston Advanced Research Center (2022-05 – 2024-04)
- Served as primary communications advisor to CEO and six-member executive leadership team, developing message strategy for all internal and external executive communications, resulting in improved message consistency and more effective delivery.
- Led the communications team managing content planning, graphic design, brand development, social media, and project budgets, delivering all projects on time and within budget.
- Secured consistent media coverage in local, regional, and national publications, including op-eds and executive interviews; worked with key journalists and media outlets to achieve placement of thought leadership pieces in targeted regional and international publications, increasing organizational profile by 45%.
- Managed strategic planning process for company's new five-year strategic plan, facilitating cross-functional collaboration with board of directors and senior leadership to write new vision and mission statements, successfully repositioning organization for growth.
- Established and developed new strategic partnerships and further advanced existing partnerships to enhance the company's profile, resulting in new clients for the company's consulting arm.
Communications Consultant at Freelance (2019-03 – 2022-04)
- Created and implemented comprehensive communications strategies for professional services clients, translating technical information into compelling narratives that increased client visibility.
- Executed media relations strategy to increase client's media presence through targeted pitching and relationship building.
- Provided strategic advice on C-suite communications, government relations, advocacy and stakeholder engagement, resulting in new strategic partnerships for clients.
- Developed social media and digital communication strategies, established brand guidelines, wrote change management and thought leadership pieces, and created messaging to improve employee engagement.
Head of Content at EC English Language Centers (2017-05 – 2019-02)
- Led the team responsible for creating internal and external content across all departments and subsidiaries for 29 schools in eight countries, ensuring alignment with corporate marketing objectives and local market requirements.
- Directed cross-functional marketing and PR campaigns for B2B and B2C audiences, managing social media, media relations, merger and acquisition communications, and large-scale print initiatives, including annual academic brochures distributed to 100K+ prospective students.
- Advised executive leadership on internal and external messaging, including writing speeches, talking points, presentations, press releases, articles, commentaries, crisis communications, and change management directives.
- Managed all internal and external change management communications for C-suite executives during acquisition of a rival brand affecting 2,000+ employees, maintaining employee morale and ensuring smooth transition.
Head of Internal Communications at National Bank of Abu Dhabi (2014-09 – 2017-03)
- Developed and implemented comprehensive internal communications program for 8,000+ employees, establishing two-way communication between executives and staff as envisioned by CEO, resulting in 40% increase in employee engagement scores.
- Reimagined and managed quarterly all-staff conference calls, bi-annual town hall meetings for 1,000+ attendees, and executive roundtable discussions, achieving 75% employee participation rate and measurably positive engagement with senior leadership.
- Managed communications for the Group CEO, Deputy Group CEO, and other C-suite leaders, developing and editing speeches, presentations, talking points, and briefing materials, including all change management communications for the bank's merger with another entity, enhancing employee awareness and engagement.
- Provided strategic guidance to corporate communications and investor relations teams on corporate publications, press releases, quarterly performance reports, Corporate Sustainability Report, and crisis communications strategy.
Manager of Communication Strategy at Etihad Airways (2013-03 – 2013-12)
- Collaborated with the lead speechwriter to draft and refine speeches, presentations, internal memos, op-eds, and communications for the CEO and senior executives.
- Developed content for multiple platforms including the monthly employee newsletter, press releases, and the Corporate Social Responsibility Report, contributing to an award-winning submission for national corporate excellence.
- Managed the communications team at the partner airline in Seychelles, providing strategic direction on content creation, media relations, and digital communication best practices.
Sr. Editor/Corporate Affairs Sr. Specialist at Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp (2011-03 – 2013-02)
- Collaborated with legal affairs and general counsel to write and edit internal and external reports, performance initiatives, MOUs, policies, and procedures, enhancing clarity and legal compliance.
- Coordinated with senior management to review and approve governing documents and expenditures, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Negotiated and reviewed contractual terms for consultancy, procurement, and employment agreements, protecting organizational interests.
- Developed a comprehensive style guide and writer's reference manual, ensuring consistency in terminology and style for all corporate documents and standard operating procedures.
Sr. Publications and Communications Consultant at Dascam Consulting (2008-10 – 2010-11)
- Provided strategic recommendations on content, design, format, and production schedules for government startup entity, managing teams of writers and graphic designers to ensure 100% on-time, on-budget delivery.
- Reviewed and approved all print and digital publications, including monthly magazines, brochures, training manuals, and digital content, improving client brand reputation and audience engagement.
- Collaborated with the media relations team to craft press releases, speeches, talking points, and briefing notes for executive interviews, strengthening external stakeholder communications.
- Built and trained a 20-person communications team, establishing communication policies, procedures, and standards to safeguard critical infrastructure.
