Communications Manager

Bath Rugby – Communications Manager (FTC)

Bath Rugby is a world-renowned sports institution with a rich history. We are committed to excellence and a drive for high performance in all areas of the club. We boast a passionate fan base and an idyllic home at the Recreation Ground, currently undergoing exciting redevelopment plans for a new stadium. We are dedicated to our people, continued on-field success and delivering an exceptional fan experience.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a Communications Manager to join our Communications team as maternity cover for a fixed term contract, reporting to the Head of Communications and PR. The role holder is to be seen as a senior member within the marketing and communications department, specifically relating to the expert implementation and delivery of the communication team’s day-to-day functions.

The key purpose of this role is to provide strategic communications and media relations support within the marcomms department and across rugby and corporate activities which enable successful delivery of the club’s business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Head of Communications and PR in the delivery of a communications and PR strategy which helps the club achieve its mission to drive up supporter and fanbase growth.
• Work collaboratively with the Marketing, Communications and Creative teams to develop rolling content and PR strategies and marketing campaigns which support internal departments including, but not limited, to Rugby, Grassroots, Hospitality, Ticketing, and Partnerships, in achieving their core objectives.
• Support the delivery of an effective press office function at Bath Rugby and be a point of contact for proactive and reactive media enquiries on all club-related matters, including during out-of-hours and at weekend, as required.
• Lead on generating compelling editorial for Bath Rugby publications and content, including writing press releases, news articles, web and social media content, and other external club notices / announcements.
• Lead on the media operation in the lead-up to and on matchdays in attendance at The Rec in addition to playing a key role in the delivery of match content across web and social, and support with the co-ordination of pre-match and post-match media activity featuring players, coaches and staff, as appropriate.
• Manage and oversee interview, appearance and engagement opportunities featuring Bath Rugby players, coaching staff, and senior executives, at official club events including the provision of briefing documents, key messaging etc, thus nurturing effective working relationships and maintaining trust.
• To be a brand ambassador for Bath Rugby, positively promoting the club externally through engagement with the media, supporter groups, external stakeholders, commercial partners, and the public, at local, regional and national level.

The successful candidate will meet the following criteria:

• Experience of dealing with regional, national and international media and handling sensitive / confidential information
• Experience of co-ordinating and running communications and PR campaigns
• Experience of working with senior executives, high-profile individuals and talent (i.e. players, influencers etc)
• Experience of coordinating and running media operations at events including accreditation
• Experience of managing and operating within a multiple stakeholder environment
• Experience of working in fast-paced, high pressure environments, and to deadlines
• Flexible approach to working hours
• Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• Excellent copy writing, editing and proofing skills with attention to detail
• Valid full UK driving license

The successful candidate will display the following behaviours and skills:

• Teamwork – Works collaboratively and inclusively across different departments to support the achievement of Bath Rugby’s objectives and mission to drive fanbase growth
• Effective Communication – Persuasively communicates with others to gain support for ideas which align with the club’s marketing and brand objectives
• Customer Excellence – Completes work to a high standard and continuously seeks out ways of improving performance and customer service for the greater good of the club
• Creativity and Innovation – Actively seeks out new, creative, and innovative ways of working from different perspectives before determining the most appropriate course of action to deliver the best results

It is preferred that the successful candidate has:

• Evidence of a relevant specialism (e.g. communications) experience or qualification
• Strong knowledge of rugby union at all levels in England
• Experience of the sports industry and media landscape in England
• Understanding of creative / design applications e.g., Photoshop
• Understanding of social media and its role in fanbase growth

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays and a half day on your birthday
• Competitive benefits package including complimentary tickets, free lunches, Bath Rugby branded kit, local discounts, gym use and cycle to work scheme
• Hybrid working available with regular onsite attendance. The expectation is that the role holder will be on site a minimum of 3 days per week, with more days expected initially while learning the role.

Location:

This role is primarily based at Bath Rugby’s Head Office in Farleigh Hungerford (BA2 7RW) on the outskirts of Bath with work also at The Rec in Bath City Centre. The role holder should live in a commutable distance to Bath and have their own transportation due to location and limited public transport.

To Apply:

Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to [email protected]. Bath Rugby is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 9 months

Pay: £35,000.00-£38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Work from home

Experience:

• Public relations: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 04/10/2024