Head of Communications & Public Relations
Background:
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) is an association established in Neuchâtel, Switzerland
tasked with the responsibility to develop and manage European cup rugby competitions from the start
of the 2014/15 season. The Association comprises of nine members; six national unions (Fédération
Française de Rugby, Federazione Italiana Rugby, Irish Rugby Football Union, Rugby Football Union,
Scottish Rugby Union and Welsh Rugby Union) and three club organisations (Ligue Nationale de Rugby,
Premiership Rugby and Regional Rugby Wales). The Association is managed through a Board of
Directors; an Executive Committee; a Director-General and executive staff who are based in
Neuchâtel.
The role:
The individual will play a key role in the development phase of EPCR activities by delivering an effective
and influential communication strategy on an international stage. The Head of Communications &
Public Relations will work closely with the senior management team to develop a world class internal
and external communications function. This role will report to the CEO/Director General, and to the
Director of Marketing/Commercial for all digital / fan engagement activities.
Your main responsibilities:
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Develop and implement a proactive engagement strategy with the international media and press
(rugby, general sport, sport business, etc.) including through high-profile media events, regular
press releases, ongoing distribution of technical sports data; Facilitate the development of new,
innovative communications angles.
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Create ongoing fan engagement opportunities for EPCR competitions, brands and partners;
manage overall digital activation through various platforms including website, social media and
other digital assets to be developed.
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Develop and manage public relations initiatives designed to raise the profile and awareness of
EPCR and its competitions, including through relevant events, publications and conferences.
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Lead on the prioritisation of all communications activities overseeing the plans and processes,
ensuring the overall activity is aligned, delivered cost-effectively, within agreed budgets, and that
overall performance is measured.
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Consolidate and harmonise all external/internal communications initiatives in order to bring
coherence to the overall communications effort; create and manage all tools required to support
the activity.
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Manage Communications Department’s human resources, ensuring that individuals are motivated
and coached, working with other departments to ensure that resources and skills are shared across
the organisation to meet business priorities and staff development needs.
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Collaborate closely with the Marketing & Commercial Department to ensure that all commercial
partners and broadcasters are properly serviced and integrated across the Communications, Public
Relations and Digital/Social Media efforts.
Your experience and skills:
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Proven experience of Communications, PR and Digital-Social Media in high profile, international
sports environments.
Ability to develop strong relationships with the press / journalists.
Management of high-profile media events (e.g. media events related to season launch & pool
draw, event press-conferences), including of all related broadcasting aspects.
Commercial acumen with the ability to manage and grow commercial relationships with
sharp/current market knowledge.
Expertise in developing digital assets and social media platforms creatively and strategically.
Excellent skills in managing press and media relations, with proven experience in key EPCR
markets.
Experienced with technical/sports data providers, as well video & photo production agencies.
Outstanding written and spoken communication skills with the ability to present at a senior
level and in front of large audiences.
Able to demonstrate credibility with board level relationships
Passion for sports and an ability to motivate others
Bilingual English/French; any other language is advantageous
Rugby experience is advantageous
This role requires a dynamic and solution-oriented professional with excellent communications skills.
The preferred candidate will be a team player, will display strong leadership and self-motivation, be
energetic and of an “outgoing” nature. Proven track record of success in a similar role and ability to
travel frequently will be required.
Application process:
If you are interested by this excellent opportunity, please send your application documents to
lausanne@sportsrecruitment.com, or contact our Lausanne office at +41(0)21 943 33 81.