Football Communications Manager – Women's Football

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals. We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

This highly influential role sits at the heart of our Women’s Football communications activity and owns how we tell the story of our women’s first team. It is a fast‑paced, highly collaborative role, responsible for delivering world‑class media and PR activity, managing relationships with key stakeholders, and ensuring our communications work enhances the visibility, profile, and reputation of our players, staff and teams. Operating as a trusted advisor, the role goes beyond day‑to‑day media delivery to provide leadership, judgement and counsel on issues that impact the club, and wider growth and development of women’s football. The postholder will be expected to guide all stakeholders, including players, management and those in key leadership positions on how the women’s programme is positioned across its next phase of growth. The role has accountability for setting direction, driving standards and connecting communications activity to wider club objectives. A central focus is coordinating access for media rightsholders, club media and external media partners. This is an exceptional opportunity for the right candidate to build and elevate the narrative around our women’s programme, strengthen our presence across the media landscape, and contribute to the momentum and growth of the women’s game, particularly growing our loyal and passionate fanbase.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible and accountable for leading, developing and delivering a comprehensive communications plan for Manchester United Women, aligned with the ambitions of the team and wider club communications approach.
• Act as senior subject‑matter expert on Manchester United Women, setting clear priorities, frameworks and standards across media, PR, messaging and storytelling.
• Shape and deliver approaches that actively grow and diversify the women’s football audience, deepening connection with existing fans and attracting new supporters.
• Operate as an advisor to the leadership team within Manchester United Women, offering guidance, insight and feedback to shape strategy and decision making.
• Deliver media rights obligations and discretionary access for women’s first‑team activities, including the coordination and staging of interviews, press conferences and media events.
• Develop standout creative and engaging communications approaches which include traditional and non‑traditional media, for both proactive and reactive campaigns.
• Attend all first team fixtures, home and away, delivering all contractual obligations.
• Produce clear, compelling written materials, including press releases, features, briefings and messaging documents for internal and external audiences.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key media, broadcasters, journalists and relevant stakeholders within the women’s football ecosystem, and beyond, seeking opportunities to raise awareness of Manchester United Women and grow our fanbase.
• Monitor media and social media to provide considered advice and guidance, identify trends, flag risks and support proactive and reactive communications.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, including content, marketing, commercial and Foundation colleagues, to ensure aligned and integrated communications activity that meets wider club objectives.
• Lead communications activity for the Women’s Academy and pathway, supporting the next generation of talent and the narrative around their progression.
• Evaluate and report on activity, campaigns and approach, informing and guiding internal decision making and external narrative.

The Person

• Relevant experience developing and implementing end‑to‑end communications, PR and/or media plans; experience within elite sport or football is a strong advantage.
• Proven track record delivering exceptional campaigns and activities which contribute to audience growth and storytelling.
• Proven ability to operate at a strategic level, providing counsel to senior leaders and taking ownership of complex, high‑impact communications challenges.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and editorial judgement.
• Excellent understanding of the sports media landscape, including key journalists, platforms and audience expectations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across a complex organisation and communicate confidently with players, coaches, technical staff and senior leaders.
• Strong work ethic, resilience, discretion and a proactive, solutions‑focused mindset, recognising the demanding schedule of elite sport.
• Resilient, proactive and comfortable operating autonomously in a role with significant responsibility and visibility.
• Passion for the women’s game and a commitment to helping drive its growth, visibility and impact.

Our Values

• Badge – Earn the badge every day. Respect our history and heritage. Be best in class and deliver to the standards expected of Manchester United. No one is bigger than the club.
• Bravery – Be bold, be brave and take calculated risks. Do things differently and innovate. Lead by example and do what’s right for the club, even when it’s hard.
• Spirit – Embody the spirit of Manchester United. Show strength of character, act with passion and fight back, no matter what.

What We Offer

• Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work.
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days.
• Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus and cycle to work scheme.
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks and nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+.
• Workplace Exclusive Discounts through United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners.
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team‑building activities.
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies.
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programmes.
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth.

Our Commitment to You

We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion sit at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Friday 10th July. Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks. If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you. It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK‑based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.