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Omar Chaikhouni

@omarchaikhouni

Communications and fundraising leader who helped generate $25M in annual revenue through partnership management and digital marketing at FINCA

United States

Message

At FINCA International, I led strategic communications for donors, institutional partners, and audiences committed to ending global poverty. I created a refreshed messaging platform that positioned FINCA as a leader in financial inclusion and impact investing. Our impact data and real success stories of people building their own pathways out of poverty resonated with a 60K strong nationwide donor community. My major gifts communications work generated $8M in annual revenue, and I contributed to 2024 fundraising campaigns that brought in more than $25M.

Earlier, I led the Brookings Doha Center communications and events program. We organized a series of roundtables and workshops that convened geopolitical and economics experts to discuss solutions for the MENA region’s most pressing challenges. I also launched a rebrand projected that culminated in the launch of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs. At The College Board I helped increase SAT and AP registrations in the MENA region by approximately 30% and doubled the number of teachers enrolled in AP course professional development program year over year.

My work has also included PR, media relations, digital marketing, and branding for Qatar Museums as well as award-winning global advocacy campaigns at Al Jazeera Media Network.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Communications Manager, Strategic Audiences

FINCA International

Jul 2021 - Feb 2026 (4 years 7 months)

Steered strategic communications initiatives to engage high-value donors and institutional partners, overseeing brand consistency and executing market research. Led major gifts communications and donor cultivation, generating $8M in annual revenue and contributing to fundraising efforts totaling $25M+ in 2024.

Communications Strategy Fundraising Donor Engagement A B Testing Market Research Brand Management Digital Marketing Content Creation AI Tools AWS

Communications Manager

Brookings Institution

Jul 2019 - Apr 2021 (1 year 9 months)

Directed the communications team in the Doha office, managing web platforms, digital channels, media relations, and multilingual content delivery. Coordinated public webinars and organized 20+ public events, roundtable discussions, and webinars featuring foreign policy experts.

Media Relations Digital Communication Multilingual Content Event Planning Data Visualization Social Media Management Rebranding

Director, MENA Market

The College Board

Jul 2018 - Aug 2019 (1 year 1 month)

Championed strategic growth of SAT and AP programs across the MENA region through stakeholder engagement, international advocacy, and educator development. Increased student registrations by approximately 30% YoY and expanded educator participation by 100%.

Stakeholder Engagement Market Expansion Educator Development Keynote Speaking Strategic Growth International Advocacy

Communications Director

Doha Institute for Graduate Studies

Jul 2015 - Oct 2017 (2 years 3 months)

Led a five-member communications team in public relations, marketing, and event planning for 15 academic departments. Created messaging that positioned the university as a hub for social sciences research, leading to $2.7M in external funding and scaling social media following to 70K on Facebook.

Public Relations Marketing Event Planning Digital Engagement Social Media Strategy Brand Positioning

Communications Consultant

Al Jazeera Media Network

Nov 2012 - Mar 2015 (2 years 4 months)

Collaborated on the development and deployment of global advocacy campaigns, including #freeAJstaff, to provide international support and build public awareness for three detained journalists. Launched 'Hona Al Jazeera,' an Arabic digital initiative grown to over 266K followers on X.

Advocacy Campaigns Digital Media Social Media Management Public Awareness Brand Visibility

Public Relations Manager

Qatar Museums

Aug 2009 - Nov 2012 (3 years 3 months)

Directed over 45 cross-border marketing campaigns for exhibitions and museum launches with an average budget of $400K. Secured international media coverage in major outlets such as The New York Times, BBC, and CNN, and led the PR initiative supporting Qatar's successful bid for a UNESCO World Heritage Committee seat.

Public Relations Marketing Campaigns Media Relations Branding Visual Identity Cultural Diplomacy