WSL Football - Communications Manager

WSL Football is building the most distinctive, competitive and entertaining women's football club competition in the world for the players and fans of today and tomorrow, and we need a creative, dynamic storyteller with a curious mind to join us as our new Communications Manager. This is one of the most exciting sports communications roles, and you will play a pivotal role in promoting the Barclays Women's Super League and Barclays Women's Super League 2 – competitions that represent the pinnacle of women's professional football in England.

Reporting directly to the Head of Communications, you will work in a fast‑paced environment and sit at the heart of the organisation in the Marketing Communications team, collaborating with marketing and content colleagues to deliver best‑in‑class communications campaigns. You will help grow the profile and protect the reputation of WSL Football and work with internal departments such as the league & performance development team, broadcast colleagues, operations and partnerships teams to devise and deliver strategic communications plans that align with our business priorities. Additionally, you will work closely with WSL Football's retained PR agency, lead relations with a wide range of recognizable clubs across the country, and help deliver an effective press office function.

The role requires a proactive, strategic thinker who is engaged with media and obsessed with finding new ways to generate coverage and build new contacts. This is a full‑time permanent role based in London. The candidate must be in our Farringdon office two days a week and available to work on call. Occasional out‑of‑hours work and domestic travel will be required.

Responsibilities

• Proactively promote and protect the reputation of WSL Football within the media.
• Design, manage, coordinate and deliver integrated communications plans, PR campaigns and one‑off stories.
• Lead communications for BWSL and BWSL2 media days, the secondary competition, and the Play‑Off.
• Play a central role within the integrated marcomms team to promote the league across owned and earned channels.
• Effectively manage incoming media requests, drafting statements and briefing media.
• Build effective and trusted relationships with BWSL and BWSL2 club communications teams.
• Develop and maintain trusted working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate and tell stories associated with internal departments – Marketing, Content, Commercial, Broadcast, League & Performance Development and Operations – to generate coverage and achieve joint organisational goals.
• Produce media materials including press releases and briefing documents.
• Provide regular out‑of‑hours media support for urgent media enquiries.
• Work closely with WSL Football's retained PR agency.
• Execute additional tasks as required to meet Women’s Super League Football's changing priorities.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety and well‑being.

Essential Qualifications

• Extensive experience in media communications.
• Proven track record in creating and delivering communications strategies.
• Good media contacts book with a strong desire to grow it.
• Excellent experience dealing with a broad range of media.
• Experience delivering integrated marcomms and PR campaigns with excellent results.
• Capability to manage communications issues.
• Experience working with senior executives and talent.
• Operating within a multiple internal and external stakeholder environment.
• Flexible approach to working hours.
• Excellent verbal and non‑verbal communication skills.
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Willingness to conduct UK travel if required.
• Knowledge of the WSL Football brand.
• Knowledge of professional sport and football's structures.

Beneficial Qualifications

• More than five years' experience within communications (high‑level experience advantageous).
• Experience working with an agency.
• Understanding of digital communications and other promotional new‑media platforms.

Values & Behaviours

• FOR THE LOVE OF THE WOMEN'S GAME – Every decision drives the growth, quality and impact of women’s football for future generations.
• GREATNESS NEVER SETS – We relentlessly push boundaries, innovate boldly and continually rewrite the playbook.
• FIND A WAY TO WIN, TOGETHER – We move as one, lifting each other up and having each other’s backs. Together, we unite players, clubs, fans and communities to achieve greatness.
• CHAMPION THE FEMALE ATHLETE, ON AND OFF THE PITCH – We celebrate and support female athletes, empowering them to shine in their football careers and beyond.
• PUT FANS IN THE FRONT ROW – Fans are the VIPs; we must thrill, inspire and connect with them to build lifelong loyalty.

This role is based in Farringdon in Central London. More details about the organisation can be found on the Women’s Super League Football website. Women's Super League Football welcomes applications from everyone. If you have any particular requirements for the recruitment or interview process, please mention these during your application. As part of Women’s Super League Football's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.