Head of Media and Communications

1.    Leadership & Team Management

▪           Lead and manage the Club’s media and communications function, setting clear standards for quality, professionalism, and behaviour, ensuring online and printed output reflects the professionalism and ambition of the Club.

▪           Set high standards and expectations, provide regular feedback, and drive continuous improvement across all online output.

▪           Support relevant staff, freelancers, and volunteers, building a reliable, high-performing media operation.

▪           Work closely with relevant colleagues across a vary of departments to ensure alignment in messages and priorities.   

2.    Strategy & Planning

▪           Develop a clear and practical communications strategy which aligns with Club objectives. 

▪           Define and maintain the Club’s tone of voice, ensuring multi-platform consistency. 

▪           Identify and action opportunities to raise the Club’s profile across all channels and output.   

▪           Monitor and analyse performance across digital activity, using data and insight to drive continuous improvement.

 ▪          Report regularly to senior leadership on media and communications performance, opportunities, and strategic planning.  

3.    Commercial & Revenue Support

▪           Play an active role in delivering the Club’s commercial objectives through media and communications.

▪           Work closely with the Commercial Department to maximise sponsor visibility and activation across digital, matchday, and campaign activity.    

▪           Integrate commercial messaging into content via methods which remain authentic to the Club and its stakeholders.    

▪           Support and assist with campaigns that drive ticket sales, merchandise, hospitality, and wider fan engagement.     

4.    Matchday Operations (Home & Away)

▪           Lead all media and communications activity on matchdays, home and away.

▪           Act as principle point of contact for media and communications personnel both internal and external, including accreditation, access, and matchday requirements.

▪           Co-ordinate photographers, videographers, and other relevant media and communications personnel with the objective of delivering high quality real-time coverage.

▪           Ensure timely and professional delivery of live in-game updates, post-match content, and media obligations

▪           Ensure all media and communications activity meets Governing Body requirements.

5.    Media Relations & Communications

▪           Act as the Club’s primary point contact for all media and communications enquiries.  

▪           Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.  

▪           Organise and deliver press conferences, interviews, and media opportunities.

▪           Ensure all external communications are accurate and aligned with the Club’s messaging.

6.    Content & Digital

▪           Oversee all Club content across printed and digital platforms.  

▪           Deliver consistent, high-quality, and engaging output which reflects the Club’s identity.  

▪           Lead on the creation of content in video, written, and graphic formats.

▪           Identify and implement new media and communications ideas in order to grow audience, engagement, and public reach.

7.    Community, Women’s & Academy Teams

▪           Support and promote the Club’s community initiatives, ensuring strong visibility of such across all platforms.  

▪           Work closely with community and foundation teams to highlight the Club’s impact within Hartlepool and the wider North East region.  

▪           Strengthen the connection between the Club and its stakeholders through authentic and engaging content and communication.  

▪           Ensure consistent, professional, and visible coverage of the Women’s and Academy teams.  

▪           Work closely with Academy staff to promote player development, milestones, and success stories across all digital and written platforms.  

▪           Support the growth and visibility of the Club’s Women and Academy teams through dedicated and planned media coverage.  

8.    Crisis Communications & Reputation Management

▪           Lead on the Club’s responses to sensitive or high-profile issues, ensuring clear, timely, and appropriate communication.  

▪           Provide communications advice to senior leadership in high-pressure situations.  

▪           Protect and enhance the Club’s reputation across all stakeholder groups.  

9.    Internal Communications

▪           Manage the flow of information across football, commercial, community, and operational departments.  

▪           Ensure messaging is accurate and aligned internally before external communication.