At a Glance
- Tasks: Craft and share the club's story across all media platforms.
- Company: Join Sunderland AFC, a leading football club with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, free season tickets, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a passionate environment.
- Why this job: Be the voice of the club and connect with fans and media.
- Qualifications: Five years in communications, preferably in sports; strong writing skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Football Communications Manager to develop and deliver the club’s narrative across all media channels. The role will support fans, media, and stakeholders through strategic communication, content creation, and relationship building.
Responsibilities
- Oversee media access and coordinate communication across major competitions.
- Build and maintain relationships with regional and national media outlets.
- Draft and publish press releases and media briefings.
- Collaborate with the digital team to produce engaging online content.
- Manage the press calendar and respond to media inquiries.
- Create compelling narratives that highlight club achievements and player stories.
Qualifications
- Minimum five years of experience in a communications or media role, preferably in elite sports or a high‑profile environment.
- Strong background in media relations, narrative development, and digital platforms.
- Undergraduate degree in communications, journalism, or related field.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Adobe Creative Cloud a plus.
- Ability to work under pressure, adapt quickly, and manage multiple priorities.
- Proactive and self‑motivated with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Additional Requirements
- Requirement to obtain an Enhanced DBS check through SAFC.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom (postcode SR5 1SU).
Employment type: Permanent, Full‑time.
Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 days (plus public holidays), increasing to 27 days after 5 years of service.
- Death in Service benefit: up to four times the basic annual salary.
- Salary Exchange Schemes: tax savings, pension contributions, and eco‑friendly travel options.
- Complimentary season tickets for all home fixtures.
- Enhanced family and parental pay (paternity, maternity, and adoption).
- Employee Assistance Programme: confidential support services.
- Free parking at Stadium of Light and Academy of Light.
- Discounts at the Club Store and partner offers.
Sunderland AFC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all employees and job applicants equally and ensuring a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying. Sunderland AFC recognises that safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance. All members of the club are expected to follow safeguarding procedures and report any concerns promptly.
Football Communications Manager in Sunderland employer: Sunderland Association Football Club
Sunderland AFC is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and collaboration in the heart of Tyne and Wear. With generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, complimentary season tickets, and a commitment to employee growth through training and support, we ensure our team thrives both personally and professionally. Join us in shaping the club's narrative while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
Contact Details:
Sunderland Association Football Club Recruitment Team
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 Association Football Club. 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 Association Football Club, 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 Association Football Club 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 Association Football Club. 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 Association Football Club.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland Association Football Club
✨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.
