Senior Communications Manager - Middle East (5946)

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

What You'll Do Earned Media & Press Strategy

• Own and grow Shield AI’s earned media footprint across the Middle East, building relationships with defense, technology and business journalists covering the region.

• Develop and execute proactive media strategies tied to product milestones, contract announcements, strategic partnerships and at major defense exhibitions and events.

• Serve as a regional point of contact for media inquiries, managing sensitive or reactive communications.

• Prepare executives and spokespeople for media interviews and other earned speaking engagements; run press logistics and on-site media management.

• Monitor news, industry trends and competitive intelligence.

Content development and Storytelling

• Develop regional content – including writing and editing press releases, bylines, talking points, speeches, executive briefing content – that articulates Shield AI’s technology and mission in a tangible and coherent manner to Middle East audiences.

• Localize and adapt global Shield AI narratives for regional context, cultural nuance and stakeholder priorities, while strengthening the core brand message.

Narrative & Positioning

• Shape and protect Shield AI’s narrative and reputation as a credible, consistent and trustworthy long-term defense technology partners.

• Build a consistent drumbeat of visibility that reinforces Shield AI’s commitment to the region.

• Anticipate and help manage narrative risk including geopolitical sensitivities and regional perceptions of foreign defense technology providers.

Required Qualifications: • 8+ years of communications experience, with time spent in defense, aerospace, government, technology sectors. Mix of in-house and agency experience welcome.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, political science, international relations or similar fields.

• Native Arabic-speaker with fluent English, with exceptional written and verbal storytelling skills and a keen eye for detail. Additional languages a plus.

• Familiarity with developing content and messaging, media relations, executive communications and issues management. Able to simplify complex concepts for non-technical and technical audiences alike.

• Proven track record with securing earned media coverage in Middle East markets, with a strong focus on the UAE, KSA, Qatar as priority markets.

• Deep understanding of the GCC defense and government landscape, including key stakeholders and cultural / political sensitivities.

• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills; able to identify opportunities for brand enhancement while also assessing gaps and possible risks.

• Experience working across cross-cultural teams and managing stakeholders.

• Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy and to manage projects, deadlines and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.

• Interest in AI, autonomy and defense technology.

Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.