Role description
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Position Type: Full time
Location: The PFA has offices in Manchester and London and we are flexible in terms of where your ‘home’ office will be. This is a hybrid role and so regular attendance in the office (for team meetings, specific projects etc) will be required alongside remote/home working. The role may also require some travel.
Salary: £27,500 per annum plus generous benefits
OUTLINE
The PFA is currently looking to expand its communications department and recruit a Communications Officer.
This is an exciting time to be joining the PFA. Reporting to the Head of Communications, the primary responsibility of the Communications Officer will be to perform a press officer function for the union. There will never be a typical day, so someone who loves variety will really thrive in this role.
This will involve:
Responding to incoming media enquiries in a timely manner and liaising with journalists (via email and phone)
Prioritising media enquiries effectively and working closely with the Head of Communications to ensure they are effectively managed.
Managing a media contact database
Taking the lead on ‘sell ins’ and proactively speaking to the media about PFA projects.
Writing quality copy for use in press releases, statements, material on —
Media monitoring and reporting.
As part of a small communications team, you will also support colleagues who lead our social media and content creation functions. This will involve some responsibility for output on the PFA’s social media channels and assisting with content capture, interviews etc.
You will need to have experience working with media and an understanding of the requirements of a busy press office. You will need to have experience managing and responding to enquiries from journalists and writing media releases. You may also have experience arranging logistics around broadcast appearances and providing PFA spokespeople for media. You may have experience of working within a sports environment, perhaps as a club press officer or a similar role.
The role will suit someone who is highly organised with good judgement, strong attention to detail and good internal communication skills. In return you will be surrounded by a supportive team with opportunities for development.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
Essential
Experience working with media in a press office role or similar.
Experience managing media emails/calls and responding in a timely and effective manner.
Managing a database of media contacts.
Proactively selling in and pitching stories to media.
Demonstrable experience of writing quality copy (including press release and statements) on a wide range of topics and issues.
Excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail.
A passion for football.
Desirable
Experience of working in football or other sports
A journalism background.
Research and analysis skills
Experience managing social media accounts and output.
Experience with content creation such as video interviews, short content for social media.
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) is the union for all current and former footballers and scholars in the Premier League, the Women's Super League and English Football Leagues.
We are committed to helping each member understand their purpose both as a professional player and a person. We provide the information, advice and support you need to help maximise the opportunities that come with playing professional football.
We're the only football organisation that solely prioritises players' needs. We offer a variety of educational, financial and wellbeing support services.
Throughout our history, the PFA has been instrumental in supporting the women's game, decreasing mental health stigma across the sport, leading the fight against discriminatory abuse of players and pushing for research into the links between neurodegenerative conditions and playing football.
We proudly amplify the players' voice to ensure their views are represented to the game's stakeholders and governing bodies.
We also protect and enhance their rights and working conditions by holding stakeholders and governing bodies to account.
Our team is passionate about helping footballers navigate personal or professional challenges, and we use our own experiences to relate to players and help prepare them for the future.
We are here to protect and support players, for football and for life.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please email an up-to-date CV highlighting your relevant experience to: recruitment@thepfa.com. Please write ‘APPLICATION – COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER’ in the subject line.
Alongside your CV you will also need to include (as an attachment or a link) an example of your writing. This can be on football or any other topic, but it should be something which reflects the quality of your work.
The closing date for applications is: 5pm Wednesday 31st May 2023
The PFA is an equal opportunities employer. Our employment policies for recruitment ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
