Head of Communications & Corporate Affairs – Football Federation Australia
September 9, 2016
Location: Sydney, Austrailia
Closing Date: 16th September
Overview:
The FFA’s strategy focusses on Entertainment (connecting more fans with the Hyundai A-League), Participation (improving the experience for all participants), Winning (building generations of successful national teams) and Leading (Leading football towards a united purpose).
Both current Asian Cup holders the Socceroos’ and Matilda’s are enjoying continued success on the world stage and the governing body is refocusing its efforts and investments into the success of its domestic competitions. As it enters its 12 season in October 2016 the Hyundai A League will see increased focus and investment in all aspects of the competition. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Communications & Corporate Affairs will be a key member of the senior management team, tasked with developing and leading a world class communications, PR, Media & Corporate Affairs function for Football.
The role will drive a comprehensive Communications Strategy for the entire organisation, complementing the broader Marketing, Brand and Strategic plan. The role must be able to drive this agenda right across the Senior Management Team of the FFA and at Board level. This strategy will help knit together all parts of the game; Community Football, Grass Roots, A-League and National Teams.
Critically the role will additionally support the CEO and Board in all Corporate Affairs. Overseeing the FFA’s Communications and Corporate Affairs team responsible for the management of the FFA accredited media contingent, media promotion of the FFA and its programs, and issues management. Leading the development and management of FFA messaging and positioning on major issues related to all FFA competitions including media strategies and issues management to the HAL clubs and state bodies.
At a macro level the role is ultimately responsible for telling the persuasive story of Australian football in all its diversity; be it the circa 2 million participants from all over the country; men, women, boys and girls, or the beauty of the game wherever and however it is being played. The FFA seek an innovative and proactive individual who is constantly looking to review and regenerate this conversation and ensure that the organisation are reaching Australian’s wherever and however they are consuming their football.
Key Responsibilities
- – Lead the development and execution of FFA’s PR, Media & Communications strategy
- – Contribute to the development and implementation of the FFA’s strategies communicating the right message, fan engagement, increasing participation and growing investment in the game
- – Develop an effective stakeholder based media strategy to ensure proactive reputation management, whilst mitigating reputational risk and issues through the development of appropriate network across all the broadcast and consumer media, sports journalist and other key influencers
- – Develop key messages for media and maximise newsworthiness of public relations initiatives. Leading and anticipating the conversation amongst the football community as much as responding to it.
- – Ensure that there is consistency and clarity in external messages, by working in association with the key internal leaders to develop and implement proactive media relations strategy to appropriately position the FFA’s brand image
- – Responsibility for the proactive development and support of FFA policy position on public affairs, government relationships and corporate and social responsibility.
- – Support the communications of FFAs strategic and business objectives to key stakeholder groups across the SMT and staff but also member federations, HAL clubs, media, government, commercial partners
- – Build relationships with key media on behalf of the FFA globally, inclusive of football writers, sports journalists, news editors, radio & television programs, columnists, public commentators, bloggers etc.
- – Responsible for production of all FFA publications, including but not limited to the event media guides and the FFA annual report
- – Ensure all external corporate messages are delivered in a timely and effective manner. Support the CEO and the Board in the production of all presentations, speeches and media interviews
- – Monitor media coverage , informing the relevant internal stakeholders on issue coverage and recommending relevant responses
Essential:
- – Demonstrate significant experience and expertise in developing, formulating strategies and leading a communications department in similar, large, complex and issues rich environment managing external affairs, corporate media and reputational issues globally, preferably for internationally focused sports organisation or within football
- – Demonstrated experience in gaining positive coverage for PR initiatives / corporate positions in a large organisation and track record in delivering clear and consistent communications strategies
- – Strong network and established relationships with sporting media contacts globally
- – Ability to generate significant engagement with various key audiences and negotiate with stakeholders
- – Significant experience acting as a corporate spokesperson
- – Ability to work efficiently and lead in a fast paced, pressurised environment
- – Proven track record of managing and building relationships, internally and externally to get the best out of people at all levels
- – Significant experience operating and advising at an executive level
- – High degree of personal resilience and integrity and a willingness to operate autonomously, proactively and creatively
- – A passion and understanding for football and sport in general
- How to Apply
This role is being exclusively managed by SRi. Letters of application and full CV’s should be sent by email to jharris@sriexecutive.com.
