Sophie Abdelhaq
Strategic Communications Specialist
New Jersey
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Strategic Communications Specialist with extensive experience in briefing and advising high-level leadership, including Ambassadors and senior officials, on digital trends and outreach strategies. Adept at overseeing digital engagement and leading strategic content production across various digital platforms to enhance public diplomacy and align with foreign policy objectives. Proven expertise in developing and implementing communication policies, procedures, and crisis communication strategies. Skilled in managing and training teams to optimize digital outreach, ensuring targeted and impactful engagement with diverse audiences. Fluent in English and Arabic, with a strong background in digital media, public policy, and content coordination in multicultural environments.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
35
35
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Strategic Communications Specialist
U.S. Department of State
2024.07 - Current
- Provide briefings and strategic advice to the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), senior Mission leadership, and high-level visitors on digital trends in Jordan, influencer themes, and best practices for digital outreach aligned with foreign policy objectives.
- Supervise the Strategic Digital Communications team to ensure effective coordination and execution of digital engagement strategies.
- Direct online public engagement across the Mission’s digital platforms (social media, mobile), enhancing the Mission's outreach and interaction with target audiences.
- Lead the selection and creation of strategic content for diverse digital and traditional formats, tailored to Jordanian audience segments.
- Formulate and implement policies, procedures, and guidelines for utilizing evolving digital technologies and external communication during crises.
- Design and deliver on-the-job training programs for Mission staff involved in online engagement to improve digital communication skills and effectiveness.
Senior Communications Consultant
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
7 2022 - 2024.07
- Researched, developed, and delivered impactful internal communications, including talking points, letters, briefing notes, and reports for the advisory business.
- Collaborated with the Advisory Leadership team and internal stakeholders to ensure communication aligns with best practices and supports the overall internal communications strategy.
- Led the development and execution of executive communication plans and a new Employee Value Proposition (EVP) strategy, coordinating with the Health Business Unit, Government and Public Sector, and other key sectors.
Regional Strategic Communications Officer
Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (British Embassy)
2018.11 - 2022.07
- Conducted extensive research to develop external communications strategies and campaigns for the UK Government Regional Communications Hub, aligning with foreign policy objectives.
- Provided strategic consultation to policy colleagues at the Foreign Office and advised the UK Government Spokesperson for the Middle East and North Africa on communication challenges in the region.
- Led data analysis and evaluation of campaign activities to assess the impact on targeted audiences, ensuring the success of embassy and Hub channels in delivering policy objectives.
- Led COP26 communications for the Middle East and North Africa, developed the Hub’s stakeholder management strategy, and maintained regular contact with the Foreign Office and other government contacts to inform campaign activities.
Digital Communications Officer
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
2018.11 - 2019.09
- Developed and implemented the digital communications strategy for the Embassy in Amman, managing all aspects of the Embassy's online presence and ensuring a compelling voice across digital channels.
- Provided support to the Ambassador and UK ministers during outreach visits, coordinating communication activities and events for departments across the Embassy to enhance public engagement.
- Created engaging content for social media, including videos, infographics, and graphic designs, while maintaining professional, responsive platforms in both English and Arabic.
Digital Content Officer
British Council
2016.09 - 2018.10
- Developed and implemented digital marketing strategies for projects and events, while coordinating communication activities and awareness-raising campaigns to enhance outreach.
- Created and managed content for internal communications, crafted success stories, and produced analytical reports to optimize website performance, SEO/SEM traffic, and social media campaigns using Webtrends and ROI-driven metrics.
- Led the execution of social media campaigns, ensured proper use of SEO, PPC, and email marketing tools, and oversaw the management of the country’s intranet and SharePoint systems.
Junior Account Executive
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
2016.02 - 2016.09
- Developed and executed media placement strategies, creating compelling story angles, interviews, and original messaging materials, while providing media cover reports post-announcements.
- Managed day-to-day client and media relations, anticipating client needs, addressing potential issues, and drafting clear communication materials such as press releases, Q&A documents, and business recommendations.
Education
Master of Arts - International Affairs
King’s College London
London 2001.04 - 2023.05
BBA - Business Management
University of Missouri – Kansas City
Missouri, Kansas City 2001.04 - 2014.04
Skills
Policy and advocacy material development
Communication strategy and planning
Web content management and SharePoint expertise
Press release drafting and distribution
Campaign planning and project management
Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud programs
Proficiency in Office365 programs and social media tools
Climate Action communications
Speech writing
Corporate communications
Press releases
Multicultural communications
Crisis communications
Accomplishments
- MENA Professional Development Award by the British Council
- Awarded an exceptional rating performance to indicate ‘’consistent innovation, consistent impact, and groundbreaking work’’ by the British Council
- Three times recipient of the Above and Beyond Call of Duty certificate by the British Ambassador in Jordan
- Elected as the Deputy Head of the Local Staff Association
- Founder and Leader of the Women’s Network at the British Embassy in Amman
- Cancellation certificate of CO2 from UNFCC to contribute to Climate Action
Timeline
Strategic Communications Specialist
U.S. Department of State
2024.07 - Current
Regional Strategic Communications Officer
Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (British Embassy)
2018.11 - 2022.07
Digital Communications Officer
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
2018.11 - 2019.09
Digital Content Officer
British Council
2016.09 - 2018.10
Junior Account Executive
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
2016.02 - 2016.09
Master of Arts - International Affairs
King’s College London
2001.04 - 2023.05
BBA - Business Management
University of Missouri – Kansas City
2001.04 - 2014.04
Senior Communications Consultant
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
7 2022 - 2024.07
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