Join Birmingham Panthers: We're hiring a Head of Digital, Marketing Communications

Join the Birmingham Panthers: Be a Part of Our Exciting Netball Journey!

Location: Hybrid, minimum 2 days in office at either University of Wolverhampton or University of Birmingham.

Job Type: Full-time, 37.5 hrs per week

Closing Date: 5pm UK time, Monday 11 November 2024

About Us

The Birmingham Panthers are a bold, pioneering netball franchise with a mission to elevate elite netball and celebrate the power of women in sport. We’re committed to building a world-class performance environment in the West Midlands, backed by top-tier coaching, advanced sports science, and a player-first, female-focused development approach.

With an inclusive spirit that reflects the diversity of Birmingham and the West Midlands, we are dedicated to inspiring our community and creating lasting impact. Through partnerships with schools, clubs, and universities, our talent pathway nurtures local players from grassroots through to the Netball Super League.

As we grow, we’re looking for passionate individuals who want to be part of this exciting journey, driving innovation both on and off the court to set new standards in netball.

Join us to help shape the future of the sport and champion the power of women’s sports in uniting and inspiring our community.

Overview of the Role

Are you ready to lead the digital and marketing communications for the Birmingham Panthers and drive our digital strategy to new heights?

As the Head of Digital, Marketing Communications, you’ll be instrumental in shaping and executing the Panthers’ digital and communications strategy, bringing our brand closer to fans, enhancing engagement, and driving the success of our community initiatives. Leading all digital marketing efforts, from content creation to social media management, you’ll have the support of a skilled Digital Community Manager, Marketing Manager, and a network of talented freelance creatives, including content creators, graphic designers, and a media relations consultant, to deliver compelling, cohesive storytelling and audience growth.

This is a unique opportunity to work closely with an ambitious franchise to develop a digital-first strategy, manage end-to-end marketing campaigns, and amplify the Panthers’ impact across Birmingham and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Digital Strategy and Brand Presence: Lead the development of the digital marketing strategy to grow and commercialise our fan base and elevate Birmingham Panthers’ brand across all digital platforms.
• Content and Social Media Management: Oversee content creation, from concept to execution, ensuring cohesive storytelling across social media, website, and email campaigns, with support from our content creators.
• Community and Fan Engagement: Drive innovative online and offline engagement campaigns to deepen fan connections and enhance our vibrant fan community.
• Campaign Management: Lead multi-channel digital campaigns for ticket sales, volunteering, community events, and partner activations, using data to assess campaign performance and inform future planning.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor team members, fostering a collaborative team culture.
• Brand Collaborations: Collaborate with partners and sponsors on digital campaigns, ensuring mutually beneficial relationships and brand alignment.
• Agency Management: Briefing, managing and reviewing the performance of external agencies and freelancers on an ongoing basis.
• England Netball Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact for all marketing and communications enquiries with England Netball, ensuring alignment and collaboration on shared goals.
• Digital Analytics: Utilise data and analytics to track engagement metrics, optimise strategies, and report on KPIs.
• CRM: Work with an external agency to oversee the delivery of our CRM activity and ensure we maintain and strengthen fan relationships.
• Media Relations: Work closely with the media relations consultant to ensure consistent, positive brand messaging across press and public relations.

Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

• Proven experience in digital marketing and communications, ideally within the sports or entertainment industry.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms, content management systems, and digital campaign strategies.
• Experience managing external agencies and freelancers; setting objectives, reviewing performance and
• Creative and innovative thinking to develop engaging marketing campaigns with a results-driven approach.
• Ability to manage and lead a team, including experience with cross-functional and freelance team management.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong editorial eye.
• Proficiency in analysing data and metrics to evaluate campaign success.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Flexible and adaptable, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and available for match days, including evenings and weekends.
• A team player with a collaborative approach.
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends, especially on match days.
• Minimum of five years in a similar role, degree of qualification in marketing, communications, or a related field preferred.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Opportunity to work in an energetic, fast-growing sports franchise.
• Collaborative and supportive team culture with a focus on innovation.
• An impactful role that allows you to shape the future of netball across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

How to Apply

If you’re passionate about digital marketing communications, have the experience and creativity we’re looking for, and are excited to lead Birmingham Panthers’ digital and marketing communications presence, please send your resume and cover letter to s.lawrence@birminghampanthers.com with the subject line: “Head of Digital, Marketing Communications – [Please Add Your Name]”.

Birmingham Panthers is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.