Leinster Rugby is seeking applications for the position of Head of Communications and Media.
This role leads the wider communications team of editors, videographers, photographers, copywriters and suppliers in developing, enhancing and creating the Leinster Rugby communications output across the professional and the domestic game.
The successful candidate will work across both the professional and the domestic game, will work with both the men and the women's senior teams, and will be an ambassador and a champion for the dual mandate of Leinster Rugby, within the club and outside.
The closing date for applications is 11th November ****.
For more information, please see the job description below.
Leinster Rugby is an equal opportunities employer
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JOB DESCRIPTION & RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
POSITION TITLE: Head of Communications & Media, Leinster Rugby
ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Leinster Rugby is one of four professional provincial rugby teams in Ireland.
As well as running a professional rugby team, Leinster Rugby also enjoys an important dual mandate to encourage, promote and grow the participation in and playing of rugby across the province of Leinster.
At Leinster Rugby, how we do our job is equally as important as what we achieve.
We strive to create positive engagement with a wide group of stakeholders in the pursuit of excellence at all levels of our twelve-county community.
Our Commercial & Marketing Team are responsible for generating the revenues necessary to support and grow our domestic, community and professional rugby programmes.
This role leads the wider communications team of editors, videographers, photographers, copywriters and suppliers in developing, enhancing and creating the Leinster Rugby communications output across the professional and the domestic game.
The successful candidate will work across both the professional and the domestic game, will work with both the men and the women's senior teams, and will be an ambassador and a champion for the dual mandate of Leinster Rugby, within the club and outside.
The Head of Communications & Media will lead the communications team and will also be part of the broader Commercial & Marketing team in Leinster Rugby, reporting into the Chief Commercial Officer, and will work on marketing, sponsorship, and commercial projects.
The candidate will also manage the CSR programme for Leinster Rugby working with charities, sponsors, partners, and the OLSC around a successful charity partner programme.
Please note this role will involve working outside of normal office hours including working some weekends at matches.
Mobility will be a key part of the role and there will be a requirement to travel regularly as required between any training grounds or places of operation within the 12 counties of Leinster.
As a result, a full, clean driver's license is essential.
The successful candidate will manage the communications team and suppliers and will co-ordinate all internal and external communications for Leinster Rugby teams.
A particular focus will be on the senior men and women's team and their media and social media activity in the lead up to and on match days.
The successful candidate will be expected to travel abroad to attend games in the BKT United Rugby Championship and the Investec Champions Cup, in Ireland, the UK, Italy, South Africa, and France.
The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with the management team of the Leinster Rugby women's team to ensure dedicated coverage of the Vodafone Women's Interpro Series and other competitive fixtures.
The successful candidate will collaborate with the Domestic Public Relations Officer Committee of volunteers and the Community Rugby team to uphold and promote Leinster Rugby's brand values across all communication channels, ensuring inclusive coverage of the game throughout the 12 counties of Leinster, and celebrating the inclusivity and excellence of the game across all our communities.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
Operational: Chief Commercial Officer, Leinster Rugby
Functional: Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Operations Officer, Leinster Rugby
KEY QUALITIES:
Essential:
Minimum seven years' senior experience in media or communications, ideally at management or account director level
Proven ability to shape and execute integrated media strategies, including media relations, stakeholder engagement, reputation management, and crisis communications
Deep understanding of the Irish sports media landscape combined with in depth rugby knowledge
Strong interpersonal, team management, and collaborative problem-solving skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, storytelling, and brand voice
Excellent attention to detail, editorial judgment and organisational skills under pressure
Commitment to stakeholder service and flexibility to work outside normal hours including weekends, as required by a professional sporting organisation
Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office, digital publishing tools, content management systems, and social media analytics platforms
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead the development and implementation of Leinster Rugby communications strategy across the club, aligning with the wider Commercial & Marketing strategy
Direct and manage media relations on behalf of Leinster Rugby across all media outlets
Lead the development and execution of crisis communication plans, ensuring timely, transparent, and effective messaging during high-pressure or sensitive situations
Direct and manage the Communications Team, and its suppliers, within Leinster Rugby
Liaise with the Digital Campaign and Content Manager to help direct and deliver the social media strategy
Liaise with the Head of Commercial Partnerships and our commercial partners/ sponsors on media activity and/or commercial requirements
Work collaboratively with the marketing team to ensure cohesive storytelling and alignment between paid, owned, and earned channels
Liaise with the Marketing and Communications Executive and Domestic Rugby Department on the roll-out of domestic rugby coverage across Leinster Rugby platforms
Plan and manage the communications budget and work with stakeholders and Leinster Rugby suppliers accordingly to deliver a best-in-class media service for Leinster supporters
Act as Chair of the CSR Committee for Leinster Rugby working with the IRFU Charitable Trust, sponsors, partners, and the selected charity partners of the OLSC
Ensure all internal communications reflect the tone, professionalism, and brand identity of Leinster Rugby
Act as a senior member of the Commercial and Marketing team and attend Commercial and Marketing Committee meetings
Act as Media Officer for Leinster Rugby, handling all day-to-day PR/ communications for the men and women's Senior Team working closely with both Head Coaches, Chief Operations Officer, Academy, Pre-Academy, representative teams, sponsorship, and key stakeholders
Co-ordinate media and communications training across all relevant staff levels in Leinster Rugby
Take overall responsibility and lead weekly WIP meetings for all communications platforms and manage the output including, but not limited to:
;
Leinster Rugby TV;
Leinster Rugby Plus;
All social media platforms;
Match programmes (to include key schools and club fixtures)
The Irish Times and Bauer media partnerships; and
The ezine and other publications.
Carry out any other duties that may be assigned from time to time
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required from this position.
They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required.
The holder of this position is required to respond with a flexible approach when tasks arise which are not specifically covered in this job description.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
Development and delivery of agreed annual KPI's with the Chief Commercial Officer, Leinster Rugby
Maintain strong and effective relationships with all departments across Leinster Rugby
Ensure the highest standard of service is provided to all Leinster Rugby stakeholders
At all times, portray a competent and professional image of Leinster Rugby
Carry out duties and responsibilities as mentioned above to an effective and efficient standard
Acts as a role model in embodying core Leinster Rugby club values, behaviours, and culture