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 offers a unique opportunity to work with some of the biggest sporting competitions, clubs, commercial partnerships and media in the market.

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting into the Head of Public Relations, the Communications Manager will have a focus on Corporate 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 Corporate PR communications for the EFL.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be 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 Corporate PR activity


• Activate and manage PR campaigns and projects, especially focused on the areas of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Youth Development, Environmental Sustainability and other areas as determined, working closely with key stakeholders both internally and externally


• Develop and maintain knowledge and skills elevant 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


• Promote, develop and use an internal communications strategy to ensure all departments are updated on Corporate 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


• Provide cover, guidance and advice to the media function of the Communications Department to ensure a consistent and timely response to internal and external stakeholders


• Have availability to be part of the Communications Department’s on-call rota, which includes availability on average over one weeknight per week outside of regular hours, and one weekend in five for match days


• Create, develop and maintain effective working relationships with journalists at all levels, both within and outside of the sporting landscape


• Work closely with the Communications Manager – Community PR, in supporting Community 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 Administrators

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrable extensive competency within a PR role


• A thorough understanding of the Media and PR industry


• Competency of work within the sports industry


• An understanding of the EFL, its 72 member clubs and the wider Football Family


• Proven experience 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 timeframes in a pressurised environment


• Trusted relationships with print, online and broadcast media contacts


• 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 skill


• Excellent interpersonal skills including proven experience of influencing decision makers at a senior level


• Good usage of Microsoft office packages including Excel


• Ability to work in a team and autonomous environment


• Ideally educated to Degree Level in a relevant subject (or equivalent)


• 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


• Pro-active and entrepreneurial


• Ability to meet deadlines and perform well under pressure


• The highest standards of personal integrity


• High level of professionalism with a desire to be the best in your field


• Positive outlook who relishes challenges and proactively looks for solutions