At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day operations of a new Membership programme and app.
- Company: Join Sunderland AFC's award-winning Brand and Product Marketing team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, free season tickets, and employee assistance programs.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a vibrant football culture.
- Why this job: Kickstart your marketing career while connecting with fans and enhancing their experience.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field; some marketing experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
About the Brand and Product Marketing Team
We are an award‑winning team of storytellers and digital architects within the Brand and Product Marketing department, dedicated to bringing our club’s vision to life. Our mission is to connect with fans, promote our products and initiatives, and amplify the voice of our community through innovative strategies and compelling content. Leveraging our creativity, we utilise digital platforms such as social media, email campaigns, and our user‑friendly website to keep our members informed, engaged, and excited about our offerings.
The Opportunity
Sunderland AFC is launching a new Membership programme and a supporting app to enhance the connection between the club and its supporters, both locally and globally. Reporting to the Marketing Manager, the Membership Executive will manage the scheme’s day‑to‑day operations, striving to deliver a world‑class experience for members. This role focuses on its daily management and contributes ideas for continuous improvement. This role centres on the Membership programme, including supporting its launch, continued improvements and executing daily tasks to grow membership among both existing fans and priority international markets. The remaining time will be dedicated to supporting broader marketing initiatives and campaigns within the club.
As the membership app evolves, this position will also expand, taking on additional responsibilities over time. The Membership Executive will work closely with the Business Insights team, which provides the data and reports necessary to guide marketing efforts; the Digital Experience Manager, to enhance the website and app experience; and the club’s external agency partners, to ensure activities are well‑targeted and measurable. Performance in this role will be assessed based on member growth, retention, revenue, and the overall quality of the member experience throughout the year.
This is a junior position that would be ideal for a recent graduate or someone early in their marketing career who is looking for hands‑on experience and the opportunity to grow with the programme during an exciting new chapter for the club.
What We Ask For
The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field, or possess equivalent industry experience. This role may suit a recent graduate looking to build their career in marketing. Some experience in a marketing role, whether through work, a placement, or an internship—particularly in sport, entertainment, or a membership/subscription/DTC business—is desirable, but strong recent graduates will also be considered. A good understanding of digital marketing, social media and content creation is important, along with strong copywriting skills and an eye for brand voice and detail. Confident IT skills are required, including experience with content management systems, email platforms and analytics tools. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to juggle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines. The candidate should be proactive, well‑organised and comfortable working in a dynamic environment. Being a collaborative team player is key.
Desirable Attributes
- Experience managing multi‑channel campaigns across email, paid media, social and web;
- Involvement in launching new products, programmes or memberships;
- Marketing app‑led products or driving app engagement;
- Exposure to international or multi‑market campaigns;
- Experience working with external agencies;
- Updating and managing website content via CMS;
- Working alongside data and insight teams to translate analysis into marketing actions.
A genuine interest in football and an understanding of fan culture would be advantageous.
Additional Requirements
Basic DBS through SAFC will be required.
Location and Eligibility
This is a full‑time, on‑site role based at the Stadium of Light. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Sunderland AFC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a policy of treating all employees and job applicants equally. Our aim is that all colleagues should be able to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.
Safeguarding
Sunderland AFC recognises that the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance within the organisation. Sunderland AFC owes a duty of care to safeguard all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities organised by the football club. Sunderland AFC will ensure that safety and protection is given to all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities through adherence to the Safeguarding guidelines adopted by the Club. Importantly, safeguarding is not the responsibility of a single individual or team; it is a collective responsibility that involves everyone associated with the club. From staff and volunteers to players and supporters, each person has a crucial role in creating a safe and welcoming environment. All members of the Sunderland AFC community are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow safeguarding procedures, and report any concerns promptly, knowing that safeguarding is a shared responsibility that helps protect those most vulnerable.
Benefits
As a standard offering, we proudly provide a range of benefits for our permanent SAFC employees, with additional perks available for specific roles to enhance your experience even further.
- Annual Leave: 25 days leave (in addition to public holidays), increasing to 27 days after 5 years’ service.
- Death in Service Employee Benefit: The Death in Service benefit provides peace of mind for you and your family, offering a safety net of four times the basic annual salary in the unfortunate event of a loss.
- Salary Exchange Schemes: Agree to reduce your salary through our Salary Exchange Schemes to enjoy benefits like tax savings, increased pension contributions for a larger retirement fund, eco‑friendly travel with EV Salary Sacrifice, and healthier commutes with Cycle 2 Work.
- Complimentary Season Tickets: Score two free tickets for all home fixtures, so you can kick back, cheer on the club, and enjoy all the Premier League action!
- Enhanced Family and Parental Pay: Enhanced Paternity, Maternity and Adoption pay provide new parents with more than just statutory pay, offering additional financial support to embrace your time with your families.
- Employee Assistance Programs: Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer confidential support services that go beyond just workplace wellness, providing you with access to counselling, resources and tools to tackle personal challenges and enhance your overall well‑being.
- Free Parking: Free parking at both the Stadium of Light and the Academy of Light.
- Discounts: SAFC employees enjoy various discount packages from our partners, including exclusive offers at the Club Store.
Membership Executive in Sunderland employer: Sunderland Association Football Club
Sunderland AFC is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within the Brand and Product Marketing team. With a focus on employee growth, the Membership Executive role provides hands-on experience in a dynamic environment, alongside generous benefits such as complimentary season tickets, enhanced parental pay, and a supportive Employee Assistance Program. Located at the iconic Stadium of Light, employees enjoy a unique opportunity to connect with fans and contribute to the club's mission while being part of an inclusive community dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the fan experience.
Contact Details:
Sunderland Association Football Club Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Membership Executive in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the club inside out! Research Sunderland AFC's history, values, and recent initiatives. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and the club.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend club events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Prepare a mini marketing campaign idea for the membership programme. Presenting your ideas during interviews can set you apart and demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and are familiar with our digital platforms.
We think you need these skills to ace Membership Executive in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Football:When you're writing your application, let your love for football shine through! Mention any experiences or moments that connect you to the sport, as this will resonate with us and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of our team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Membership Executive role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences, especially in digital marketing and content creation, so we can see how you’d be a great fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in lengthy paragraphs.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a big plus for this position!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland Association Football Club
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Sunderland AFC's brand and product marketing strategies. Familiarise yourself with their recent campaigns and membership initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
As a Membership Executive, creativity is key! Prepare examples of past projects where you've used innovative strategies or compelling content. Think about how you can apply similar ideas to enhance member engagement and experience at Sunderland AFC.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since this role involves working closely with the Business Insights team, brush up on your analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data in previous roles to inform marketing decisions or improve campaigns. This will demonstrate your ability to translate insights into actionable strategies.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Collaboration is crucial in this role, so be prepared to share experiences where you’ve worked effectively within a team. Highlight your ability to juggle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines while supporting your colleagues, as this will resonate well with the club’s dynamic environment.
