Communications Manager

Post Title: Communications Manager - Community

Role status: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

Hours per week: 35 (open to negotiation)

Organisational base: Hybrid (Mix of home working and office based at EFL House Preston)

Reporting to: Head of Public Relations

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting into the Head of Public Relations, the Communications Manager – Community will have a focus on Community PR and assist in the activation of the annual strategic PR plan for the EFL.

The Communications Manager will have responsibility to deliver against the overall Communications strategy and be responsible for all internal and external Community PR communications for the EFL.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be expected to take responsibility for creation of content for EFL social channels, website and publications, with a specific focus on:

COMMUNITY PR

• Responsible for the day-to-day narrative and publicising the ongoing story of the EFL, its member Clubs and CCOs by securing coverage in national, regional and international Media
• Liaise with, and present to, all member Clubs to ensure they are fully briefed on all Community PR activity
• Activate and manage PR campaigns and projects, especially focused on the areas of EFL in the Community, amplifying the work of EFL Clubs in their communities, charitable initiatives, the EFL’s benevolent work and other areas as determined, working closely with key stakeholders both internally and externally 
• Maintain the relationship with Broadcast partners to ensure the effectively delivery of regular community PR coverage opportunities 

STRATEGIC PR

• Promote, develop and use an internal communications strategy to ensure all departments are updated on Community PR events and activities
• Identify targets, objectives and stories for news and sport coverage in regional, national and international Media and ensure these coverage levels are monitored 
• Proactively source opportunities to tell the story of the EFL and promote its successes at relevant industry events, awards and speaker opportunities 
• Keep abreast of the wider news agenda and opportunities to maximise opportunities to tell the story of EFL in the Community 
• Develop and maintain knowledge and skills relevant for the position of Communications Manager and the Communications Department, including a knowledge of the EFL, its Member Clubs and current issues affecting the League

MANAGEMENT

• Create, develop and maintain effective working relationships with journalists at all levels, both within and outside of the sporting landscape
• Manage and develop a close working relationship with EFL in the Community 
• Work closely with the Communications Managers – Corporate PR in supporting Corporate PR activities 
• Support the Communications Team with commercial activations, promoting competitions and other activity as required
• Develop and plan PR activities, campaigns and events that showcase the EFL in a positive manner 
• Manage and direct all external and internal Communications so that the overall brand and professionalism of the EFL is maximised
• Help to develop Communications Officers and Executives

INDIVIDUAL CRITERIA

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and attributes that apply to the role:

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING

• Demonstrable extensive competency within a PR role
• A thorough understanding of the Media and PR industry
• An understanding of the EFL, its 72 member clubs and the wider Football Family
• Proven examples of developing and activating PR plans
• The ability to create, manage and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
• Track record for meeting and exceeding goals within strict time frames in a pressurised environment
• Trusted relationships with print, online and broadcast media contacts

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Strong communication skills and ability to understand how to deliver a wide range of messages
• A strong understanding of the EFL and football as a brand
• The ability to generate ideas and challenge the status quo whilst considering organisational limitations
• Excellent analytical, reporting and presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills including proven instances of influencing decision makers at a senior level
• Good usage of Microsoft office packages including Excel and Word
• Ability to work in a team and autonomous environment
•  Ideally educated to Degree Level in a relevant subject (or equivalent)

ATTRIBUTES 

• Desire and ability to play an active role in a high-performance team, culture and environment
• High level of self-motivation, initiative and commitment to achieve ambitious objectives as part of a team
• Ability to prioritise workloads and juggle multiple projects at once
• Focused and driven to deliver the best
• Proactive and entrepreneurial 
• Ability to meet deadlines and perform well under pressure
• High level of professionalism with a desire to be the best in your field
• Positive outlook who relishes challenges and proactively looks for solutions

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

The EFL offers a unique opportunity to work with some of the biggest sporting competitions, clubs, commercial partnerships and media in the market. We look for the best people who approach their work with energy, excellence and commitment. Our employees are crucial to our success and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are fundamental elements of building our team. Each of us has an array of qualifications, skills and life experiences.

Some of the benefits of working with the EFL include:

• Competitive salary
• Generous pension scheme – 10% company contribution of your basic salary
• Employee Assistance Program
• Private medical insurance
• Healthcare provision
• Access to complimentary matchday tickets
• Death in service
• Travel season ticket loan
• Opportunities to attend and work at major events such as Wembley Finals
• Long service award
• Volunteer days
• Regular limelight awards to recognise our employees work and contributions
• Twice yearly social events

If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this in your application.

ABOUT THE CLUB

Formed in 1888, the English Football League (EFL) is the world’s original and oldest league football competition. With 72 Member Clubs, it is the largest single body of professional Clubs in European football and is responsible for administering and regulating the Sky Bet EFL, Carabao Cup, Bristol Street Motors Trophy and youth and reserve football.

A vital part of sporting life, both in the UK and across the globe, the EFL operates some of the world’s most competitive, popular and successful football competitions, acting as part of the fabric of life for millions of fans.

One of the highest attended league bodies in Europe, EFL Clubs are truly embedded in the hearts of their 72 local communities, spanning the breadth and depth of England and Wales. Away from the matchday, Clubs and Club Community Organisations interact seven days a week, 365 days a year, making a positive contribution to the communities in which they serve.

The EFL reserves the right to close this advert early should a sufficient amount of quality applicants be received.