At a Glance
- Tasks: Promote and protect the reputation of WSL Football through creative communications strategies.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at the Barclays Women's Super League, leading women's football in England.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for travel and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on growth and empowering female athletes.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of women's football, telling impactful stories and engaging with media.
- Qualifications: Extensive media communications experience and a passion for women's sports.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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 comms roles about, and you will play a pivotal role when it comes to promoting the Barclays Women's Super League and the 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 get to work in a fast-paced environment and sit at the heart of the organisation in the Marketing Communications team, working closely 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 collaborate with internal departments such as our world-leading league & performance development team, broadcast colleagues, operations and partnerships teams to devise and deliver strategic communications plans and tell the stories 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 recognisable clubs based up and down the country and work with a high-calibre roster of partners as well as helping to deliver an effective press office function. The role requires a proactive, strategic thinker and someone who has their ear to the ground, enjoys engaging with media and is obsessed with finding new ways to generate coverage and making new contacts. It is a full-time permanent role, based in London and requires the candidate to be in our Farringdon office two days a week and work on call. There will be other occasional out-of-hours work and domestic travel.
What will you be doing?
- Proactively promote and protect the reputation of WSL Football within the media.
- Design, manage, co-ordinate 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.
- Expertly and effectively manage incoming media requests, drafting statements and briefing media.
- Build effective and trusted relationships with the BWSL and BWSL2 club communications teams.
- Develop and maintain trusted working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate effectively and tell stories associated with internal departments, including 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 any 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 can be maintained.
What are we looking for?
Essential for the role:
- 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 of dealing with a broad range of media.
- Experience of delivering integrated marcomms and PR campaigns with excellent results.
- Capable of managing communications issues.
- Experience of 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 write to deadline.
- Able to conduct UK travel if required.
- Knowledge of the WSL Football brand.
- Knowledge of professional sport and football's structures.
Beneficial to have:
- Over five years' experience within Communications (high-level experience advantageous).
- Experience of working with an agency.
- Understanding of digital communications and other promotional new media platforms.
Living the values through our behaviours:
- FOR THE LOVE OF THE WOMEN'S GAME - Every decision we make drives the growth, quality, and impact of women's football for future generations.
- GREATNESS NEVER SETTLES - We have the relentless drive to keep the women's game, growing, and reaching for more. We have the courage to push boundaries, innovate boldly and continuously 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 at the heart of our game. We must thrill, inspire, and connect with them to build lifelong loyalty.
As part of the 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.
WSL Football - Communications Manager The Football Association employer: Kick it Out
At WSL Football, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions the growth of women's football while fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture. Our London-based team thrives in a fast-paced environment, offering employees unique opportunities for professional development and collaboration with top-tier partners and clubs. Join us to be part of a passionate community dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the world of sports communications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land WSL Football - Communications Manager The Football Association
✨Show Your Creative Side
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✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Kick it Out are looking for.
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✨Attend Industry Events
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We think you need these skills to ace WSL Football - Communications Manager The Football Association
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Kick it Out. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Kick it Out:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Kick it Out’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kick it Out
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Kick it Out will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
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✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Kick it Out, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
