Career Opportunities: Communications Executive (1045)

Job Description & Person Specification COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE Affidea Stadium, 134 Mount Merrion Avenue, Belfast, BT6 0FT Role Purpose: To tell the stories of rugby in Ulster, inspiring connection, pride and participation through creative and engaging communications. This role delivers high-quality written, video and audio content across Ulster Rugby’s digital platforms and provides essential support to the club’s press office, ensuring the domestic game is visible, valued and celebrated. Accountable To: Head of Marketing & Communications and Head of Rugby Development. Key Relationships: Rugby Development staff, print and broadcast media, Creative Content Producer, Graphic Designer, Commercial and Marketing teams, supporters, sponsors, clubs, schools and relevant committees. Location: Administration Offices, Affidea Stadium, however, the postholder will be required to travel across the province to enhance the profile of the work done by Ulster Rugby as a Governing Body and in the development of the game at club, school, and community level. Contract Type: Full-time (35 hours per week), permanent (subject to successful completion of a 6-month probationary period). Salary: In the region of £25,000 gross per annum. Key Responsibilities * Act as press officer for Ulster Rugby’s domestic game, serving as the primary point of contact for all media enquiries. * Deliver comprehensive domestic media coverage across the season, producing content and match reports at domestic fixtures. * Draft and distribute press releases to deadline, managing sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. * Support the creation of engaging written, video and audio content aligned with agreed strategic priorities. * Update and maintain Ulster Rugby marketing channels with high-quality, audience-focused content. * Contribute content to the production of the official match programme. * Act as media liaison for Ulster Academy, Women, Juniors and age-grade representative teams. * Promote community engagement initiatives, including PR appearances by Ulster Rugby players. * Travel across the province to promote club, school and age-grade rugby activity. * Support clubs and schools to develop their digital channels through training coordination and ongoing guidance, as well as developing a network of media contacts within clubs and schools to support the development of their own channels. * Contribute to the delivery of the annual communications plan, supporting the strategic priorities of domestic rugby, Rugby Development in Ulster and associated programmes through Ulster Rugby channels. * Liaise with the IRFU Communications team to co-ordinate relevant communications activity at a provincial and national level. The duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties to meet the needs of the organisation. Essential Criteria * Qualifications– Educated to A-Level standard with a Grade C (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. * Experience– A minimum of a year’s practical experience in a communications or media role; experience producing content for a wide range of marketing channels. * Knowledge– Knowledge of the sport of rugby union; solid understanding of the local media landscape. * Skills & Abilities– Excellent written and verbal communication skills; enthusiastic team player who can work independently; proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships; high creativity; project and time management skills with a track record of meeting deadlines. * Behaviours– Enthusiastic and proactive; delivers on deadlines/targets; adaptable; confident communicator; works to high standards when representing the organisation; keeps abreast of the latest communications trends and technologies. * Circumstances– Access to a form of transport; flexible with working hours, including evening and weekend work travelling across the province. Desirable Criteria * Previous experience of working within a sports environment. * Experience of copywriting for a variety of online and offline channels. * Experience of managing marketing/media channels. * Excellent understanding of developing integrated communications strategies. * Ability to plan and create captivating video content. PLEASE NOTE: Initial short listing will take place against the criteria outlined in Qualifications, Experience & Circumstances. The applicant’s responsibility is to demonstrate clearly on the application form how they meet these criteria. High attention to detail, particularly in written communications will be assessed on the basis of the application form, and application forms containing numerous errors will be disregarded. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Behaviours will be assessed at interview and/or via practical assessment. We reserve the right to enhance the essential criteria to facilitate shortlisting. Should this be required, some or all of the desirable criteria listed will be applied. The post is being offered on a full-time permanent contract, successful completion of a 6-month probationary period. To apply, please upload a copy of your CV and complete the online application form. The closing date for completed application forms is no later than 9:00am on Monday 11th May 2026. Ulster Rugby is an equal opportunities employer and as such welcomes applications from all persons regardless of race, creed, gender, disability, family status or sexual orientation. If your role involves working with children and young people you may be subject to vetting through Access NI/Garda Vetting Bureau. Please note that we are committed to equal opportunities for all and will not preclude applicants with criminal convictions. For more information please refer to the IRFU Vetting Policy: https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/recruitment/ Previous candidates need not apply. J-18808-Ljbffr