Job Details:
Marketing & Communications Manager

Job Description

About Sale Sharks Foundation
Sale Sharks Foundation is the charity partner of Sale Sharks Rugby Club. Our Vision is to use the power of our sport to change lives throughout the North-West. We work with over 15,000 people annually in three key areas: Community Inclusion, Education and Rugby Development. You can see the impact we had by checking out our 2023/ 2024 Sharks Watch Impact Report. 

Our highly skilled, dynamic, and passionate team currently delivers over 50 community projects that change the lives of a huge spectrum of people across the North-West: from children and young people right through to senior citizens. We believe in the immense power of our sport to positively transform people’s lives. We believe the North-West is a home to extraordinary people like you 

This is your opportunity to join a passionate, purpose-driven team and help us tell our story!

JOB SUMMARY

The Marketing & Communication Manager is a NEW pivotal role within Sale Sharks Foundation, responsible for shaping and delivering a compelling marketing and communications strategy that tells the story of our impact, strengthens our identity, and deepens engagement with our community, partners, and charity supporters.   

You will lead on all aspects of marketing, communications and PR for the Foundation, while managing a part-time Content Executive embedded within the professional club. 

A key part of the role will be building awareness of the Foundation to run and support fundraising campaigns throughout the year, developing and utilising CMS systems, newsletters and other routes to market we have through the foundation and supported by the club.  

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on storytelling, digital innovation, and community impact.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy aligned with the Foundation’s mission and goals.
• Create and deliver comprehensive marketing and communications plans for the successful delivery of the Foundation’s annual fundraising events and activities.
• Lead and support the Content Executive in the creation of monthly and annual owned channel communications plans and campaigns to support storytelling of programme delivery, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement.

Content & Digital

• Oversee the creation and scheduling of engaging content across social media, website, newsletters, and other digital platforms.
• Ensure brand consistency and tone of voice across all communications ensuring we stand out as a charity.
• Manage the Foundation’s website, ensuring it is up-to-date, accessible, and impactful.

Media & PR

• Build and maintain relationships with local and national media to secure positive coverage and tell our story.
• Draft press releases, media and public appearance briefings, speeches and key messaging documents.
• Act as the main point of contact for media enquiries related to the Foundation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the key contact, collaborating with the professional club’s marketing and communications teams to ensure consistency to align messaging and leverage shared platforms where relevant.
• Support internal teams with communications needs, including programme launches and events.
• Develop materials and messaging where we collaborate with funders, partners, and supporters.

Line Management

• Provide line management to the Content Executive, ensuring they are supported and aligned with Foundation priorities.
• Work with the Content Executive’s line manager within the club to ensure you’re feeding back and supporting them to develop in the role.
• Conduct regular performance reviews linked to their work for the Foundation, and support professional development linked to charitable communications.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Support the development of our annual Sharks Watch Impact Report, liaising with relevant teams and our designer to gather and review all content required.
• Track and report on the performance of communications activities using analytics and KPIs.
• Analyse data and insights to measure the effectiveness of marketing activities and make data-driven recommendations.
• Use insights to refine strategies and demonstrate impact to stakeholders and senior leaders.

Fundraising Communications & Campaign Support

• Develop and deliver marketing campaigns that support fundraising, income generation and donor engagement.
• Build awareness of the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives through targeted communications and storytelling.
• Oversee event marketing and promotion, ensuring maximum reach and participation.
• Utilise CRM and CMS systems to manage supporter data and deliver segmented communications.
• Create and distribute newsletters and supporter updates to drive engagement and retention.
• Leverage club-supported channels and platforms to amplify the Foundation’s fundraising messages and campaigns.

 General

• Represent the Foundation at events, community activities and match days as required.
• Support with other duties as required by the Foundation leadership team.

It is expected that the role may, on occasions, include working evenings or weekends, including match days. This will always be agreed in advance with time off in lieu offered.

This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of duties but is intended to reflect the range of duties the post-holder will perform. 

It is key to this role that candidates:

• Always demonstrate the Sale Sharks Foundation values.
• Promote Sale Sharks Foundation’s brand and ethos in a professional and positive manner.
• Be committed to applying and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion as Sale Sharks Foundation and comply with all Charity policies and procedures.
• Act in line with the Foundations code of conduct always showing professionalism in all environments we work across, acting as role models for our community.

• 25 days annual leave pro-rata (3 to be taken between Christmas and New Year), with additional leave after 3 and 5 years of service.
• £240 per year (Pro-rata, claimed monthly) wellbeing benefit.
• 3% Pension contribution.2 free tickets per game (Men’s & Women’s).
• Kit provided
• 20% discount on the staff shop.
• Access to Sale Sharks High Performance Gym after 4pm.
• Opportunity to buy into Sale Shark performance meal prep on site.
• Flexible working (where possible around delivery needs).
• Dogs allowed in the office/outdoor kennels (behaviour permitting).
• Free tea & coffee in the office.
• Free onsite parking.
• Health insurance through Vitality, including access to the Headspace app, discounted gym memberships, free weekly coffee and film rental, health checks, employee assistance, and discounts on health and wellbeing products (upon successful completion of probation period).
• Annual reward and recognition awards.
• Access to e-learning platform.
• Bi-annual all staff training days & Foundation socials.
• Other CPD opportunities throughout the year.