Director of Communications

DFL; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading football club in Manchester seeks a Director of Communications to lead their global strategy. This high-impact role involves overseeing all external communications and ensuring a unified voice across platforms. Candidates should possess senior leadership experience and crisis management expertise in a sports context, along with strong relationship-building skills with media and stakeholders.

Benefits

Annual incentive scheme

Wellness support including mental health resources

Exclusive discounts through the United Rewards platform

Gym facilities on site

Enhanced family leave benefits

Access to professional learning platforms

Supportive work environment valuing diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in communications within elite sport.
• Strong network across football and media dynamics.
• Proven ability to lead strategy across diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Direct communications strategy for both football and business operations.
• Serve as a key contact for media across various sectors.
• Lead club's response to media issues, managing reputational risk.

Skills

Crisis management

Public relations

Strategic communications

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

The Role:

The Director of Communications is responsible for leading Manchester United’s global communications strategy. This high-impact role ensures the club speaks with a unified, strategic voice across all platforms, audiences, and issues. The Director will oversee all aspects of external communications—including football communications, corporate affairs, executive communications, internal engagement, and crisis response—working in close partnership with football operations, commercial, finance, investor relations, legal, HR, and media teams. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Director will be a key figure in shaping and protecting the club’s reputation worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership Across Communications

• Direct the end-to-end communications strategy for the club, spanning both football and business operations, including line management of the Head of Football Communications and Head of Corporate Communications and Advocacy as the operational leads for their respective areas.
• Serve as a bridge between football, commercial, and brand teams to ensure a consistent narrative and integrated communications approach.
• Act as senior counsel to fclub leadership on media engagements and public positioning.

Media and Public Relations

• Serve as a senior point of contact for the media across football, commercial, and reputational matters.
• Build relationships with top-tier media globally, across sport, business, and lifestyle sectors.
• Shape and oversee all official club narratives, campaigns, and media statements.
• Liaise closely with investor relations team on quarterly earnings announcements.

Crisis & Issues Management

• Lead the club’s response to high-stakes media issues, managing reputational risk across football and business units.
• Partner with legal, HR, and football ops on real-time issues with potential media scrutiny.

Content, Digital, and Brand Storytelling

• Partner with digital and marketing teams to create compelling, coordinated storytelling across club-owned platforms.
• Drive high-impact content and press campaigns around key football and corporate milestones.

Stakeholder Engagement & Executive Support

• Support C-suite and football executives with public speaking, thought leadership, and strategic messaging.
• Ensure alignment with fans, partners, investors, and community stakeholders through transparent and values-led communication.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary communications team, spanning both football, commercial and corporate communications.

The Person:

• Senior leadership experience in communications within elite sport, media, or high-profile brands.
• Deep understanding of football media dynamics and strong network across football .
• Proven ability to lead communications strategy across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Crisis management expertise, especially in a football or media-intensive environment.
• Experience working with athletes, coaching staff, and sports executives.
• Preferably experience working with listed businesses or investor relations functions.
• Strong writing, speechwriting, and messaging development skills.
• Gravitas and sound judgement to counsel senior leaders on reputational matters.
• Team leadership and development skills with a collaborative and adaptable approach.

What We Offer:

At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Annual incentive scheme
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth

Our Commitment to You:

At Manchester United, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Ready to Join Us?

Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.

If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.

It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles. Your personal data will be processed on MU’s behalf by Korn Ferry