At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead media relations and communications for West Ham United's first team.
- Company: Join the iconic West Ham United in a senior communications role.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, healthcare benefits, and discounted match tickets.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make an impact in sports communications and work with elite athletes.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in sports media relations and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
West Ham United is seeking an experienced and dynamic communications professional to join the Club in a senior leadership role within its Football Communications team. The successful candidate will be comfortable working directly with players, senior executives and the Head Coach, leading media activity, interviews, press conferences and matchday communications.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead media relations and communications support for the men’s first team football operation.
- Manage player and occasional Head Coach media requirements, interviews and press conferences.
- Oversee matchday media operations, accreditation and broadcaster obligations.
- Act as a key contact for media enquiries and reputation management.
- Draft statements, responses, press releases and key messaging.
- Monitor media coverage and manage emerging issues proactively.
- Work closely with the EFL and rights holders to ensure all contractual obligations are met.
- Develop relationships with national, regional and international media.
- Support commercial, community and Foundation initiatives involving first‑team players.
- Help deliver and implement the Club’s wider communications strategy.
- Participate in media monitoring and on‑call communications support when required.
Candidate Profile
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in frontline sports media relations.
- Extensive matchday communications and press management experience.
- Strong crisis communications and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent writing, copywriting and communication skills.
- Dedicated and motivated personality with the ability to positively influence and lead others.
- Proven experience working with elite athletes, coaching staff and senior executives.
- Strong understanding of digital and social media.
- Established relationships with national and international media.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.
- Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends and travel.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off.
- Pension and life insurance.
- Healthcare cash scheme.
- Travel season ticket loan.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Priority access to apply for match tickets.
- Discounted season tickets.
- Staff discounts in the club store, café and partner products and services.
- Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness facilities.
- Family friendly leave policies.
- Company social events.
EDI Statement
The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organisation’s business and tactical approach to eliminating barriers and addressing inequity. Candidates must demonstrate their capability and willingness to uphold best practices and procedures, promoting lasting positive change while eliminating biases and barriers to attracting, achieving, and supporting talent from all communities, regardless of background, circumstances, or protected characteristics.
Safeguarding
The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm across all stakeholders. Successful candidates must undergo essential background checks before starting their employment, which may include screening of social media. The type of DBS check required will depend on the responsibilities of the position and may be basic, standard, or enhanced. The successful candidate agrees to proactively identify and respond appropriately to any concerns and follow the Club’s safeguarding reporting procedures to report allegations of abuse, poor practice, or anything that may impact the welfare of a child, young person or adult at risk within 24 hours.
Football Communications Lead employer: West Ham United FC
West Ham United is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that thrives on teamwork and passion for football. With a commitment to employee growth, the Club provides numerous benefits including generous annual leave, healthcare schemes, and opportunities for professional development, all while fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity. Located in the heart of East London, employees enjoy unique access to matchday experiences and community initiatives, making it a rewarding place to build a career in sports communications.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Football Communications Lead
✨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 West Ham United FC. 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 West Ham United FC, 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 West Ham United FC 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 Lead
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 West Ham United FC. 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 West Ham United FC.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Ham United FC
✨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.
