At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop communications strategies for BBC Sport while managing a dynamic team.
- Company: Join the BBC, a leading global media organisation known for its diverse content and commitment to quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, 26 days annual leave, and various health perks.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sports media and engage with audiences creatively while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-profile communications roles and a passion for sports media is essential.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working options and excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 46600 - 71000 £ per year.
Package Description
- Job ID: 022244
- Band: E
- Salary: £56,600 to £71,000 per annum, depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
- Contract type: Permanent
- Location: Based in Salford with some hybrid working
Excellent career progression - the BBC offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation.
Unrivalled training and development opportunities - our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certification.
Benefits - We offer a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance and 26 days annual leave (1 of which is a corporation day) with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care, gym and much more.
Job Introduction
BBC Sport is one of our biggest and most recognisable brands. We are looking for a senior communications leader who can proactively shape coverage of our content in a creative, impactful way while also promoting and protecting the reputation of BBC Sport and the wider BBC. We are looking for someone who can lead, develop and motivate a multi-disciplinary team of communications professionals, provide effective communications advice to senior editorial stakeholders, handle the most serious and sensitive reputational issues, collaborate with other teams across the business and generate positive coverage of our output.
You will devise and develop the communications strategies for BBC Sport. You will need to understand the changing media landscape, have a network of contacts across the media, and have proven experience in using digital channels in communications campaigns. You will be tasked with reaching audiences in new and different ways whilst working to BBC Communications standards and strategies. This senior role reports directly to the Senior Head of Communications, and is based in Salford with hybrid working.
Main Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver the overarching communications strategies for BBC Sport while leading a talented team of multi-disciplinary communications specialists who work on content publicity, digital and social campaigns, and reputation management issues.
- Act as a communications adviser to the Director of BBC Sport, along with commissioners and senior heads across both genres.
- Support Directors through media engagements and provide thorough briefings when necessary.
- Handle a substantial volume of media issues and hold a range of relationships with key media and influencers.
- Work with third parties such as rights holders, governing bodies, and independent production companies.
- Work with senior colleagues across the BBC, including the wider Corporate Affairs department, Marketing and Audiences.
- Constantly look for new ways to reach audiences and deliver creative campaigns and engagement activity with a focus on reaching younger and underserved audiences across the UK.
Are you the right candidate?
We are looking for a creative leader who has significant experience of working in a busy press office in a high-profile organisation. Overseeing a varied slate, you will be adept at managing multiple campaigns and issues simultaneously, with the ability to direct resource and focus where needed. You will have a proven track record of handling high profile reputational issues and working with numerous stakeholders. You will also oversee communications, both proactive and reactive for sport on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sport News. You will need to be experienced in leading a successful team, operating under pressure in a complex organisation and know how to effectively provide senior-level counsel to stakeholders on programming, new initiatives, PR strategy and issues.
About the BBC
The BBC is committed to redeploying employees seeking suitable alternative employment within the BBC for different reasons and they will be given priority consideration ahead of other applicants. We don’t focus simply on what we do - we also care how we do it. Our values and the way we behave are important to us. Diversity matters at the BBC. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential. We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of the BBC - whether that’s to contribute to our programming or our wide range of non-production roles. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles, unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.
Head of Communications (BBC Sport) employer: ENGINEERINGUK
Contact Detail:
ENGINEERINGUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications (BBC Sport)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the media and communications field, especially those who have experience with high-profile organisations like the BBC. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in sports communications.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with BBC Sport's recent campaigns and initiatives. Understanding their current strategies will not only help you in interviews but also allow you to propose innovative ideas that align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to handle reputational issues by preparing examples from your past experiences. Be ready to discuss how you managed crises or sensitive situations, as this is crucial for the Head of Communications role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the changing media landscape and digital communication trends. Being knowledgeable about new platforms and audience engagement strategies will demonstrate your readiness to innovate and reach diverse audiences effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications (BBC Sport)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Communications position at BBC Sport. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your leadership experience in communications, particularly in high-profile organisations. Include specific examples of campaigns you've managed and the impact they had on audience engagement and reputation management.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sports and the BBC's output. Discuss how your background and vision align with the BBC's values and how you can contribute to their communications strategies. Be sure to mention any relevant contacts or networks you have within the media landscape.
Highlight Flexibility and Team Leadership: Since the role involves leading a multi-disciplinary team and may include hybrid working, emphasise your experience in managing teams and your adaptability to different working environments. Mention any previous roles where you successfully led teams under pressure.
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGINEERINGUK
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a candidate for the Head of Communications, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments, managed multiple campaigns, and motivated your team to achieve their goals.
✨Understand the Media Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current media landscape, especially in sports. Be ready to discuss how you would adapt communications strategies to engage younger audiences and leverage digital channels effectively.
✨Prepare for Reputational Challenges
Given the nature of the role, anticipate questions about handling reputational issues. Think of specific instances where you've navigated sensitive situations and how you provided counsel to senior stakeholders during crises.
✨Demonstrate Passion for Sports
Your enthusiasm for sports content is essential. Be prepared to discuss your favourite BBC Sport programmes and how you envision promoting them creatively. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the brand.