Head of Communications (Fixed Term to September 2028)

Organisation: British Olympic Association
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000
Location: London, W1
Contract type: Fixed Term (Full time)
Closing date: 16 October 2026
Job Description: British Olympic Association and Team GB

Team GB is the British and Northern Irish Olympic team – one of the nation’s most successful teams and one of its favourite brands. Run by the British Olympic Association (BOA), Team GB competes at Olympic and Olympic Winter Games and other events such as the European Games, Youth Olympic Games and European Youth Olympic Festivals.
The BOA’s primary purpose is to:
• Select, lead and manage Team GB at Olympic and Olympic Winter Games and all International Olympic Committee (IOC) and European Olympic Committee (EOC) accredited events such as Youth Olympic Games, European Youth Olympic Festivals and the European Games, and;
• Develop the Olympic Movement and promote the principles and values of Olympism in our territory of responsibility.
The BOA is independent and privately funded. Our success is entirely dependent upon the income we receive from our commercial programmes, including but not limited to sponsorship, fundraising, licensing and events.

The Role
This role offers the opportunity to lead Team GB’s communications function and play a central part in delivering PR and media activity in the build-up to and during the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. It will be structured in two phases:

Phase 1 – Head of Communications (maternity cover)
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead the organisation’s communications function, taking responsibility for delivery of the communications strategy, overseeing media relations and media operations, and providing senior advice on reputational issues and opportunities. You will also lead communications planning and delivery for Team GB’s participation in the Istanbul 2027 European Games.

Phase 2 – Deputy Head of Communications
From 2028, you will report to the returning Head of Communications, supporting them in leading the team and delivering the communications operation for LA28. You will form a key part of the Games-time communications and marketing leadership team, with specific responsibilities agreed as planning develops.

Throughout both phases, you will work closely with the marketing and digital teams to build on a much-loved brand through compelling storytelling and campaigns that reach new audiences and strengthen the nation’s connection with Team GB. You will also work with the sports team to ensure athletes are prepared and supported in their engagement with the media; the commercial team to support partner communications and media activity; and the social impact team to communicate Team GB’s work to create lasting social change.

Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities below reflect the anticipated scope of the role. The balance of responsibilities will evolve from 2028, in agreement with the Head of Communications, to meet the needs of the team and the LA28 operation.

1. Communications strategy delivery: Lead the implementation of Team GB’s communications strategy, ensuring day-to-day activity and campaign planning reflect agreed priorities, target audiences and organisational messaging. Maintain a calendar of PR and media opportunities, monitor progress against KPIs and use insight and evaluation to inform delivery.

2. Media relations: Be a primary point of contact for day-to-day media relations. Maintain an accessible press office to ensure timely responses to incoming media requests and support the media in telling the story of Team GB and the athletes in the build-up to and at the Games. Proactively identify and pitch stories, building relationships with journalists and creators to reach both established and new audiences.

3. Issues management and senior counsel: Anticipate and manage reputational issues, coordinate media responses and provide clear communications advice and briefing to the CEO, senior leaders and athletes.

4. Games-time leadership: Lead communications planning and delivery for the 2027 European Games in Istanbul, supporting the Chef de Mission and appointed leadership team in developing communications plans and narratives, and leading the Games-time communications and content team. For LA28, progress and finalise recruitment of the Games-time communications team in collaboration with the Head of Marketing. Form a key part of the Games-time communications and marketing leadership team, supporting the Head of Communications in delivering the overall operation.

5. People management: Support and develop colleagues within the communications team, with line management responsibilities in 2027 and within Games-time teams, as agreed.

6. Commercial partners: Work closely with the commercial team to support Team GB’s partnerships and wider commercial objectives through PR advice and activity. Support commercial partners and their agencies in developing and delivering proactive campaigns, coordinating communications and managing issues.

7. Broadcaster and media partner relations: Maintain excellent working relationships as a primary point of contact for editorial and operational teams at Olympic rights-holding broadcasters and Team GB’s media partners.

8. Stakeholder relations: Maintain and develop relationships with key stakeholders – domestic and international – with a primary focus on domestic National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and UK Sport. Ensure regular communication with peers and coordinate and contribute to regular NGB events and forums to share best practice and knowledge across the sector.

9. Media operations: Oversee the coordination of the media accreditation process for all relevant events, ensuring timely engagement with all domestic media. Lead on all Team GB media operations planning throughout 2027, with the objective of providing optimum support to all media covering Team GB in competition.

10. Finance: Work with the finance team to manage the communications budgets in 2027, contributing to the organisation’s wider financial targets.

Person Specification
You will be a media and communications professional with:
• At least eight years’ experience working in media and communications roles
• Experience leading a communications team or function, working independently and advising senior leaders
• A strong working knowledge of the UK sporting system and an understanding of the role of communications in the planning and delivery of international competitions
• Sound judgement and experience managing sensitive or reputational issues
• A track record of delivering proactive PR campaigns and securing impactful coverage
• A supportive and cooperative leadership style, with the ability to work across functions and develop others
• High standards of execution, with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal English, with the ability to turn around copy and statements in deadline-driven timeframes
• Resilience under pressure and in challenging environments
• An understanding of the changing media landscape, with a strong network of media and creator contacts and the ability to build new relationships

What We Offer
• 22 days of annual leave in increasing to 25 days after two years in the role
• Additional time off over the festive season
• Possibility to work 2 weeks a year remotely from anywhere (subject to time zone being appropriate)
• Company-wide discretionary performance-related bonus
• Opportunities to get involved in Team GB events, where possible.
• Provision of Team GB Kit (where available)
• Team GB partner offers and discounts
• Additional benefits including pension, life insurance, income protection, Electric Vehicle Leasing Scheme, Cyclescheme, Health and Wellbeing rewards via YuLife app.
How to apply: • Please submit a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role alongside your up-to-date CV. • Applications should be sent to recruitment@teamgb.com with the reference Head of Communications FTC in the subject box. • The closing date for applications is 16th October 2026. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to all applications however, if you have any questions about the role, please submit these to recruitment@teamgb.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Note this role requires you to be in the office three days a week and the right to work in the UK. We are unable to support visa sponsorship for this role.

We use cookies to track and analyse visitors to our website

Head of Communications (Fixed Term to September 2028)