Communications Manager

Communications Manager – Super Rugby Pacific & Community Rugby

Rugby Australia- Moore Park

Rugby Australia (Rugby AU) the governing body of Rugby Union in Australia, is looking for an experienced Communications Manager, to lead the media and communications function for the Super Rugby Pacific competition within Australia, driving growth of media coverage and success in delivering business objectives – and working with Clubs, NZ Rugby and SANZAAR.

The role is also responsible for servicing media across Super Rugby Pacific – as well as leading the development and execution of communications strategies and plans that drive participation and engagement in Community Rugby.

The successful candidate will be the “go-to” person within the business for all communications matters across Super Rugby Pacific and Community Rugby – while also being required to contribute value in other areas.

Key responsibilities for this role:

Strategy & Advice

  • Work with the Head of Communications and stakeholders across the business to develop communications strategies and plans for Super Rugby Pacific and Community Rugby
  • Develop a culture of proactive communications and media liaison within Super Rugby Pacific and your fellow communications professionals throughout the competition
  • Implement the strategic priorities of the business across their areas of responsibility
  • Develop communications plans for Community Rugby to help generate participation at all levels of the game
  • Provide strategic communications direction and counsel to relevant stakeholders, as well as working closely with SRP Clubs, Member Unions, and grassroots stakeholders
  • Create and execute integrated internal and external communication plans as required.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

  • Develop and maintain effective and positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, particularly media, Super Rugby Pacific Clubs, NZ Rugby, and other internal departments within Rugby Australia
  • As a trusted business partner/adviser to internal stakeholders, identify proactive internal and external communication opportunities, and develop plans to execute these opportunities
  • Be a communications expert for internal stakeholders.

External Communication

  • Proactively pitch story ideas to media, managing reactive enquiries, and generally chasing positive coverage across rugby, sport, and other media – growing media coverage for SRP will be a significant KPI for this position
  • Lead media relations for Super Rugby Pacific – work with Clubs and suppliers to ensure consistent and accurate flow of information and statistics to media
  • Writing – everything from media releases to letters, scripts, speeches, and reports
  • Develop and publish content across Rugby Australia’s and Super Rugby Pacific’s digital platforms and social media channels.

Internal Communication

  • As part of an integrated communications function, develop and execute internal communications in relation to dedicated portfolios.

Issues Management

  • In conjunction with the Head of Communications, identify issues that could impact Rugby AU’s reputation across Super Rugby Pacific and Community Rugby – and develop and implement communication plans to mitigate risks
  • Help the broader team when issues/crises arise, and execute tasks to support as required
  • Be an advocate for rugby in the world of women’s sport.

Administration

  • Manage media contact database and distribution system
  • Provide input to content for Super Rugby Pacific and Rugby Australia communications channels – including ensuring team and player statistics are up to date
  • Improve processes within the management of the SRP competition to ensure Rugby Australia’s communication objectives are delivered on time and with effective outcomes
  • Administrative and operational support for the communications department – including accreditation, media databases, and media monitoring.

Measurement & Evaluation

  • Oversight of day-to-day media monitoring services and relationships.

To be successful, you will need to have:

  • University degree in communications or journalism.
  • 6-10 years of experience in communications, media relations or journalism – preferably in sport
  • Demonstrated experience in pitching and achieving strong media coverage – ideally across sports, news, and lifestyle media
  • Experience developing communications strategy and plans
  • Good connections within Australian media
  • Excellent writing skills across a variety of formats
  • Strong verbal communication skills – and an ability to influence media and other stakeholders
  • Comfortable working with senior colleagues
  • Able to lead stakeholders confidently and competently – i.e., sporting Clubs, other unions, sponsors.
  • A creative mindset and strong understanding of journalism and media
  • Strong organisational and time management skills, with excellent attention to detail – capable of delivering accuracy and success within timeframes
  • Solid expertise in content development and publishing across a variety of platforms and channels – both technically and creatively
  • At least a basic grasp of working with graphic design templates
  • Demonstrates a customer service mentality
  • Team player with excellent interpersonal skills – ability to positively contribute to other work streams
  • Manages change positively and confidently and responds quickly to changing priorities.
  • Behaves in a way that is consistent with Rugby Australia’s values of passion, integrity, discipline, respect, and teamwork.

After hours and weekend work may be required, together with interstate travel.

To apply please send your CV and cover letter supporting your application to Rachel.Buckling@rugby.com.au. Applications close 11 October 2022.