Director, Sports Communications; Maternity - Global Communications Agency

Overview

This job is with Fleishman Hillard, an inclusive employer. Why Fleishman Hillard? We have been named PRWeek's Global Agency of the Year and Best Places to Work; a Standout Agency on Advertising Age's A-List; among our award-winning work we have won Lions  are committed to an inclusive and equitable working environment for everyone. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.

If you need adjustments during the interview process, please let us know. The Team:
We harness the power of creative, social and strategic marketing to produce award-winning communications.

The Role:

This position is a temporary cover and offered as a 12-month contract.

We are seeking an ambitious Sports Comms expert to join our Sports & Entertainment team in London. You will drive UK and Global sports partnership and sports brand campaigns, lead teams and deliver growth across our current portfolio. You will be part of our Brand Senior Leadership Team, ensuring comms excellence is delivered to clients. The role requires integrated comms counsel with experience across PR, Social, Digital, Influencer and Talent communications in the sports industry.

The right candidate will bring strong industry insights and a UK-first sports network, with solid organisational and leadership skills for a fast-paced environment.

• Team Leadership:
  Lead, mentor, and develop a team of account managers, strategists, and coordinators
• Set performance standards and drive a culture of excellence and creativity
• Foster collaboration across PR, content, digital, and influencer teams
• Support team professional development and career progression
• Campaign Development:
  Oversee the creation of innovative, integrated campaigns in Sports and wider Cultural space
• Ensure all work demonstrates creativity, strategic thinking, and measurable ROI
• Balance owned, earned, shared, and paid channels to maximise impact
• Manage campaign timelines, budgets, and quality across all deliverables

• Client Management and Business Development:
  Manage relationships with C-suite and marketing leadership at key clients
• Lead pitches and presentations for new business opportunities, particularly in Sports and Partnerships
• Identify cross-selling opportunities and develop integrated service offerings
• Ensure exceptional client satisfaction and retention
• Strategic Mindset:
  Develop and execute integrated communication strategies for Sports clients
• Lead the P&L for assigned client accounts, ensuring profitability and growth
• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging platforms, particularly in Sports, Culture, and Fan Behaviour
• Champion best practices in integrated communications across the agency

• Background in PR, communications, or marketing with leadership/management experience
• Proven track record of developing and executing integrated communications campaigns
• Demonstrated experience with Sports brands and/or activating Sports Partnerships
• Strong understanding of UK earned media, talent and influencer partnerships, and digital channels
• Experience managing teams and leading cross-functional projects
• Excellent project management and organisational skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities

• Background in Sports Comms and/or Sports Partnership sectors
• Knowledge of influencer marketing and community management
• Experience in social media and content development
• Crisis communications experience
• Familiarity with media buying and paid social platforms
• Strong commercial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities
• Energetic, collaborative, and adaptable leadership style
• Eligibility: right to work in the UK and ability to work in Bankside office at least 3 days per week

• A warm and friendly team with a fantastic portfolio of global and UK clients
• A truly global network with opportunities to participate in multi-market campaigns
• A strengths-based L&D framework with an in-house coach and development opportunities
• Hybrid and flexible working; great office and emphasis on human contact
• Work-life balance and support to achieve it
• Culture Club activities and wellness programs
• Opportunities to join Employee Resource Groups and DE&I committees

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