Head of Communications

The Head of Communications is a pivotal role within the Digital, Marketing and Communications team. The successful candidate will lead all communications activity for the British & Irish Lions, with primary responsibility for the inaugural Lions Women’s Tour in 2027, a landmark moment in rugby history and a defining milestone for our organisation. Reporting directly to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), this is an 18-month fixed-term position that offers the rare opportunity to influence one of the most anticipated developments in international rugby, while also steering the broader communications agenda for the British and Irish Lions brand. This is a unique opportunity for an exceptional communications leader to make a lasting impact on a global sporting brand.

Applying from the UK click here. Applying from Ireland click here.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Play a key leadership role in shaping and executing the Lions’ communications strategy.

  • Build and leverage a high-impact global sports media network to maximise reach and influence.

  • Lead and deliver the communications strategy for the inaugural Lions Women’s Team, including all tour-related activity.

  • Define and execute corporate communications, PR strategy, and crisis communications.

  • Direct world-class media operations and the delivery of all major press events.

  • Manage and strengthen relationships with rights-holder broadcasters and key media partners.

  • Advise and brief senior leadership on all communications matters, risks, and opportunities.

  • Lead media training programmes, ensuring clarity, consistency, and authority across all messaging.

  • Represent the Lions at high-profile events, stakeholder engagements, and across the global media landscape.

  • Oversee digital and social communications alignment, ensuring an integrated approach across all owned and earned channels.

  • Lead internal communications to ensure alignment across the organisation.

  • Establish clear KPIs and evaluate the impact of communications activity, providing insight-led reporting to the CMO.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

  • Extensive experience in sports communications, ideally within international sport.

  • Proven experience leading communications for major events or high-profile campaigns.

  • Strong understanding of the global media landscape, particularly rugby and women’s sport.

  • Established network of media contacts across the UK, Ireland, and internationally.

  • Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

  • Ability to operate in a high-pressure, high-profile environment.

  • High levels of credibility, resilience, flexibility, and integrity.

  • Proven ability to build strong internal and external relationships.

  • Experience managing teams and external agencies

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Reports to: Chief Marketing Officer Contract: 18 month Fixed Term Contract Location: Flexible within UK or Ireland:

  • If the successful candidate is based in Ireland, they will work from Dublin HQ on a hybrid basis with travel to the UK and internationally as required.

  • If the successful candidate is based in the UK they will work primarily from home with regular visits to London and Dublin, alongside travel elsewhere in the UK and internationally as required.

  • Commencement: As soon as possible