Head of Corporate Communications (H/F) in London

World Rugby is the global governing body for Rugby Union.

Driven by a clear strategic purpose of bringing people together through iconic events, impactful investment and strong leadership and support for members, it owns and organises some of the world’s most iconic sporting events, including the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups, while unlocking further opportunities in the women’s game, fostering an attractive game and protecting player welfare and long-term sustainability at every level.

• Head of Corporate Communications (Based in Dublin or London)
• Overview

World Rugby’s corporate reputation is at the heart of its ability to deliver against its key strategic objectives – aligning stakeholders and earning the permission for the organisation and the sport to communicate its messages with clarity and confidence.

The corporate communications role supports World Rugby’s strategic goals by both ensuring that the organisation’s reputation enable maximum revenues to be generated for the game and to manage the wider team in raising the profile of key initiatives and competitions.

The communications team covers a broad remit to grow the sport’s visibility, audience base and increase trust with fans.

The right candidate for this job will have the ability to mix day to day communications delivery with the ability to tackle problems at a strategic level.

The ideal candidate will preferably have a minimum of five years experience of working in a senior role in corporate communications within sport or a fast‑paced organisation with a focus on strategy development, narrative and messaging development, stakeholder management and media engagement.

Rugby knowledge and languages are preferable.

This role involves global travel and out of hours work, and we are looking for someone with energy, enthusiasm and the ability to successfully integrate within a broad range of teams across the business.

• Principal Accountabilities
• Develop and maintain a public relations strategy for major target growth markets in line with World Rugby’s strategic plan.
• Develop and deliver a strategy for managing World Rugby’s reputation on issues relating to player welfare and the laws of the game.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with core stakeholders to align the rugby ecosystem around key developments.
• Managing issues management communications strategy execution.
• Manage World Rugby’s reputation with national governments on issues of reputational importance outside of Rugby World Cup structures as required.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organisation with the media where required.
• Manage the budget in each of the above areas and of any World Rugby corporate communications agency project or retainers.
• Other reasonable duties as set out by the Chief Communications Officer.
• Be available out of hours and at weekend as required especially during World Rugby tournaments, such as men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups.
• Key Skills and Attributes
• Quick thinking, calm and decisive under pressure.
• Creative problem-solver, able to work with others to find creative solutions and respond to new opportunities.
• Culturally aware with a global perspective on audiences and content.
• A passion for sport and a desire to contribute to the further growth of Rugby.
• Adept at working under pressure in a fast‑paced environment, delivering work to deadlines and honouring commitments.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

World Rugby is committed to building a diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

We are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background.

We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, which reflects the global sport we want to be and where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong.

Flexible Working

Most of our roles offer hybrid working.

We ask colleagues to work: Three (3) days a week “out of home”.

Two (2) “core” office days (Tuesday & Wednesday) and a third day of your choice to be with stakeholders. “Out of home” can mean working in a World Rugby office/hub, working from a venue or face to face meetings with partners/suppliers/agencies/teammates or other rugby family stakeholders The remaining two (2) days are flexible to work from home (or the office).

This applies to our Dublin & London offices.

Our Mission, Vision and Values

The role holder will be expected to embrace the World Rugby mission to grow the global rugby family, support the vision of rugby being a sport for all, true to its values: discipline, respect, integrity, passion and solidarity – and to uphold these values while acting in a responsible and sustainable manner.