The Role 

The Press & Comms Manager will help drive the reputation, credibility and profile of London Sport, its work and its impact amongst a range of audiences. While focussing on generating media coverage for our work and our mission, this role will also improve our engagement with wider groups including the sport & physical activity sector, senior decision and policy makers, and wider networks.  

Reporting directly into the Head of Marketing & Communications, you will manage the development and implementation of a media strategy that aligns to the wider London Sport strategy.  

What you’ll do: 

• Work with the Head of Communications and Marketing to produce and implement a media strategy for London Sport. This includes understanding the work happening across the sector, building communication plans for London Sport projects, developing key narratives on our policy areas, and supporting our fundraising.  

• Develop strong relationships with both national and regional media (particularly in the health and sport space, and across news and lifestyle), working across London Sport to identify, develop and sell stories into media. 

• Proactively generate media/PR comms opportunities to position London Sport, our CEO and other staff as thought leaders to disrupt the news agenda. This includes copywriting for press releases, thought leadership pieces and social content. You will also work with our insights team to develop research and insight-driven reports and media angles to support storytelling. 

• Create and manage media calendar/grid, ensuring media activity supports and working with other colleagues to complements social media activity and overall content strategy. 

• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and communication teams of our partner organisations (e.g. Sport England, community sport organisations, Greater London Authority, etc.) to help promote our work and to build our reputation as a credible strategic body.  

• Analyse media coverage and lead evaluation and implementation of learnings.  

• Provide ad hoc support to wider communications work, including digital channels, newsletters, public fundraising and events. 

• Supporting junior staff in the Marketing & Communications team in their roles, including supporting their training and development as comms professionals. 

• Provide communications advice to cross-departmental project groups, determining appropriate levels of communications support and identifying key reputation-building opportunities. 

Who you are:  

• A communications professional with a strong understanding and demonstrable experience of working with media, including managing media relationships, writing media briefs, press releases and op-eds, and evaluating press coverage.  

• Personable and prior experience of developing strong relationships with journalists and landing media coverage. Ability to work with London media and journalists in the health, lifestyle and sport sectors.  

• Strong copywriting skills and the ability to influence through all forms of communication.  

• Ability to manage multiple projects at any given time, meeting deadlines and prioritising work. 

• Keen interest in physical activity for health and the sport for development sector and the policies that govern the physical activity and sport sector.  

• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, equality, diversity and inclusion in relation to London. 

• Ability to manage teams/projects and a passion for developing junior staff.   

• Positive, proactive and enjoy working as part of a team. 

• Lived experience of London.