PR and Communications Manager

Job description / Role

BRAND MANAGEMENT
- Identify communication gaps and opportunities for NOVO Cinemas markets to increase brand awareness to a higher level and support the development of communication strategies including PR, sponsorship, influencers and branded events. Close working collaboration with Marketing Teams of Novo Cinemas and all distributors.
- Develop innovative stories and strategies to maintain our market position.
- Identify needs and channel priorities on brand building actions.
- Brand custodian to ensure consistency across all consumers touch points. Ensure brand tone of voice maintained.
- Corporate presentations for business pitches and any other requirements
- Sponsorship and CSR activities identified and followed through to build positive brand awareness in core audiences.
- Ensure brand story is created to release to market and build positive touch points across all channels in support of the marketing, digital and sales teams.
- Manage new location launches effectively
- Monitor competitors and prepare a monthly report on regional activities.

COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY AND MEDIA PLANNING
- Write PR plans for the launch of new locations or services as required.
- Responsible for defining, managing and executing the media plan in collaboration with the local media agency and the NOVO Marketing team as required
- Brief and lead local media agencies based on the corporate defined media guidelines and communication/brand strategy
- Develop PR & Communication strategy for media, press relations, public relations and digital marketing activities (working closely with Social Media Team) to achieve the desired brand outcome for each market.
- Able to amplify and apply social media principles to PR activities. Digital PR strategies and tools to ensure long tail web content is created and monitored.
- Write a strategy for blog content and then break down for other team members to use. Ensure correct SEO key words and procedures incorporated into PR communications.
- Plan, manage and monitor the yearly communication budget
- Execute print advertisement/advertorials and liaise with relevant agencies and advertisement teams to ensure appropriate positioning
- Support digital marketing activities and actively seek new opportunities to promote the brand and increase awareness on different social media channels
- Proof read articles and branding for various communication materials for all distribution channels (Arabic and English)
- Prepare speeches for management as required.
- Source and enlist the company for regional and global awards pertinent to our industry
- Manage speaking events for the CEO.
- Write press releases and manage PR distribution in the region in English and Arabic.
- Prepare post campaign reports and analytics to optimise results
- Internal reporting on activities to the management committee
- Capable and trained in crisis communications.
- Good understanding of the governance related to social media and other media channels.
- Proficient in video content requirements to support activities.

MEDIA RELATIONS
- Responsible for developing and maintaining good press and public relations to maximise PR coverage and brand exposures of the NOVO brand across all existing and new territories.
- Build and maintain relationships with media, PR agencies, bloggers and local influencers to increase PR coverage, brand and product awareness
- Execute high quality press events (PRCL) when needed.
- Actively inform media and key influencers on all subjects relevant to Novo Cinema with regards to new product and campaign launches, exhibitions, co operations and cinema openings
- Initiate co-operation with local influencers to support brand exposure and press coverage
- Manage external and internal PR events/activities to leverage brand positioning and awareness
- Manage agencies to execute PR activities
- Develop and coordinate press releases in English and Arabic
- Develop tactical and strategic PR activations to enhance brand perception and create media buzz

DISTRIBUTOR and PARTNER RELATIONS
- Maintain good relationships with distributors in context of arranging media screenings, previews and premieres.
- Ensure premieres include a 360-marketing approach to maximise coverage and awareness of the film in the relevant territories.
- Attend all screenings, premiers and movie previews held in our locations and provide post event analysis and reports.
- Creative activations developed with the agency to ensure maximum awareness achieved.
- Ensure the content required for the magazine is sourced from distributors and arrange the content of the magazine in English and Arabic. Create the flat plan for approval and then ensure printed and delivered in all markets.
- Work closely with mall management to ensure they are provided and included in content plans for all activities and support their activities where needed.

GENERAL
- Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure consistency between communication strategies and successful impact in the respective territories
- Strong relationship building with internal and external stakeholders
- Drive ROI and to evaluate the effectiveness of all communication activities.
- Actively part takes participates in Sponsorship or Partnership negotiations from a brand and PR point of view.

Requirements

- 7-10 years in Communication and PR (preferably from the GCC) with a strong background in brand communication and media
- Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in the Marketing, PR and Communication discipline.
- Fluent in English and Arabic (writing and verbal)
- A proven background in regional, digital and activations within a Communication and PR role
- A team player with strong interpersonal and presentation skills
- High level of organisation with a structured, methodical way of working
- Advanced skills in all Microsoft office software
- Knowledgeable in Socialbakers and social media analytics
- Good at building relationships across a variety of levels
- Strong negotiation skills

About the Company

Novo Cinemas is home to the most innovative entertainment experiences in the GCC, offering each visitor A Great Time Out since 2014. We are one of the largest cinema chains in the Middle East because we push boundaries, pioneer change, and consistently strive for the "new". We began our legacy by introducing the region to such evolutionary technologies as the largest IMAX with Laser in the MENA region, online booking, e-kiosks and the first cinema-dedicated mobile app.

Novo Cinemas takes pride in showcasing the latest viewing technology, being acknowledged as the regional leader in cinema innovation when bestowed with the Most Innovative Cinema award at ComiCon ME 2017. This award is a testament to our dedication to providing customers with the most state-of-the-art movie-going experiences possible.

Our theaters are cinematic experience hubs creating lasting memories for every customer. Novo brings movies to life, letting guests choose from 2D, 3D, 4D, IMAX with Laser, ATMOS and luxury 7-Star VIP suites for their comfort. Supporting the in-theatre entertainment are bespoke gourmet menus, the latest trends in cinema snacks including frozen popcorn, fresh crepes and healthy treats. We are committed to providing every community with a personalized and outstanding entertainment experience placing cinema-goers at the forefront. Known as a destination for regional premieres, we are proud to host the most anticipated preview screenings. In addition to blockbuster releases, Novo offers corporate and private group bookings as well as alternative content such as live boxing, cricket and football matches and the performing arts. Films can be as informative as they are entertaining and Novo's commitment to education is reflected in our wide range of stunning IMAX documentary films available for private school bookings.

There are currently 158 screens across the GCC, ongoing expansion will see our numbers grow to over to 220 screens in more than 20 cinemas in four markets by 2019. Novo Cinemas. A Great Time Out! www.novocinemas.com