Head of Media and Communications

Organisation: Hartlepool United FC
Salary: Competitive - dependant on qualifications and experience.
Location: Hartlepool, England, United Kingdom
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 1 June 2026
Job Description: 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.
How to apply: Please e-mail CV and Cover Letter to secretary@hartlepoolunited.co.uk.