At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape our club's narrative and engage passionate supporters through strategic communication.
- Company: Join SAFC, a vibrant football club dedicated to storytelling and community connection.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: If you love football and communication, this role is your chance to shine!
- Qualifications: 5+ years in communications, strong media relations, and digital content skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Communications Team
We are the storytellers and strategic communicators dedicated to bringing our club’s vision to life. Our mission is to engage fans, promote our activities, and foster positive media coverage across all platforms. We manage media access, support digital content, and craft impactful messages to ensure our club’s story is heard loud and clear. By building strong relationships with media and stakeholders, we help showcase our players, celebrate our successes, and strengthen our community connection every day.
The Opportunity
We are excited to invite applications for the role of Football Communications Manager, at SAFC a key position in shaping our club’s narrative and engaging our passionate supporters. In this dynamic role, you will oversee media access and ensure smooth communication across all major competitions, building strong relationships with regional and national media outlets to showcase our players and achievements. You’ll craft compelling press releases, support media briefings, and work hand‑in‑hand with our digital team to produce engaging content that brings our club’s story to life. Managing the press calendar and handling media inquiries, you’ll be at the heart of our efforts to promote, inform, and inspire.
If you’re passionate about football and skilled in strategic communication, this is your chance to make a real impact in a vibrant, fast‑paced environment.
What We Ask For
The ideal candidate will have over five years of experience in a relevant communications or media role, preferably within an elite sporting environment or a similar high‑profile setting. They will possess a strong background in managing media relations, crafting compelling narratives, and working strategically across digital platforms. A relevant undergraduate degree will underpin their expertise, along with a solid knowledge of digital tools and content management systems. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential, and experience with Adobe Creative Cloud would be highly advantageous, allowing for the creation of engaging visual and digital content. We are seeking someone with a proven ability to thrive under pressure, adapt quickly, and effectively manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. You will be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS through SAFC.
Football Communications Manager in Sunderland employer: Sunderland AFC
At SAFC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity and passion in the world of football communications. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team environment. Located in a community-focused club, you will have the unique advantage of engaging directly with passionate supporters and media, making a meaningful impact on our club's narrative and success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Football Communications Manager in Sunderland
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Sunderland AFC. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Sunderland AFC, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research Sunderland AFC inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Football Communications Manager in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Sunderland AFC. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Sunderland AFC.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland AFC
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.