Senior Coordinator, PR & Communications
International Tennis Federation
The International Tennis Federation is the governing body of world tennis, wheelchair tennis, and beach tennis. It was founded in 1913 as the International Lawn Tennis Federation by twelve national tennis associations.
- Posted
- 23 May 2023
- Status
- Full Time
- Location
- England
- Closing date
- 9 Jun 2023
From Playground to Podium:
As an organisation the ITF has a significant influence in tennis. We are involved in everything from inspiring grassroots initiatives to elite international competitions and all that falls in between. We have a touchpoint at every stage of a player’s career across all levels and formats of tennis. From grassroots campaigns to the Davis and Billie Jean King Cup podium, the ITF is engaged and committed to delivering tennis for future generations.
Due to the timing of our projects, for this role we can only consider candidates who, on application, have the right to work in the UK.
We are currently working to a hybrid model requiring a mandatory minimum of 3 days working in our office based in Roehampton, London and as part of this, Mondays and Tuesdays are ‘anchor days’ where all staff work from the office.
The ITF is responsible for the worldwide development of tennis through its highly regarded Global Development Programme, its Science and Technical department which monitors equipment and technology, and its Officiating department which oversees the education, certification and advancement of officials.
The ITF oversees the professional pathway and organises over 1,500 weeks of men’s, women’s, and junior tournaments on the ITF World Tennis Tour, the main artery for talent to rise to elite levels of the sport. The ITF operates the ITF Beach Tennis Tour, UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour and the ITF Masters Tour. The ITF is the owner and rightsholder of the women’s and men’sWorld Cup of Tennis, Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup, the two largest annual international team competitions in tennis, and manages the Olympic Tennis Event at the Olympic and Paralympic Games on behalf of the IOC and IPC. The ITF upholds the highest standards of integrity and is a partner in the International Tennis Integrity Agency.
Overview of Department:
The ITF Communications department is responsible for key stakeholder and external communications, day-to-day press and public relations. The department also provides on and off- site media services at major Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup events and support at Grand Slam tournaments. The ITF promotes tennis worldwide through a combination of communications channels, as well as websites, mobile apps, social media and publications managed or overseen by the department.
Responsibilities:
- Create and implement proactive PR plans and activations operating within the related budgets to raise the profile of ITF tours and events.
- Act as the Communications department’s main point of contact for ITF World Tennis Tour, World Tennis Tour Juniors, Beach Tennis World Tour, UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour and the World Tennis Masters Tour.
- Develop relationships and work closely with colleagues in those teams to produce individual communications plans and identify strong stories from each that will generate media coverage and contribute to the ITF’s mission to grow tennis for future generations
- Potential to travel to events from above tours if required to help deliver associated PR activations
- Work closely with ITF digital services and content team, thinking creatively to help promote those stories on ITF channels.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key journalists across tennis/sport, consumer and lifestyle sectors.
- Identify and nurture relationships with journalists new to the ITF, with the aim of generating coverage in a wider range of outlets/territories across the world.
- Contribute towards the management and development of the central ITF media contacts database.
- Support the Manager, Media & PR with pitching and story sell in where appropriate and required.
- Work collaboratively as part of the wider Communications team to contribute to departmental objectives.
As the needs of the business can evolve rapidly this role may change accordingly, therefore this document should be viewed as guidelines which are subject to change.
Skills required:
Essential
- First class written and oral communication skills
- Proven track record of delivering positive PR coverage and impact
- Proven track record of developing strong working relationships with key media
- Understanding of what makes a compelling story and engaging content both for external media and owned channels, with a track record of producing both
- Experience of working collaboratively within a Communications department that includes corporate communications, digital services, social media and CRM
- Ability to identify the most effective approach, outlet and audience to make the most of a story – whether on owned or external channels
- Ability to give sound advice to internal stakeholders on communications activities – including coordination with commercial department and sponsors.
- Ability to work as part of a team across a range of departments and stakeholders
- Ability to work under pressure and deliver work to deadlines
Desirable
- Understanding of the tennis industry and the work of the ITF
- Ability to speak a second language
What we offer....
- Excellent salary plus discretionary bonus scheme (subject to conditions)
- 25 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays
- Private Healthcare
- Group personal pension scheme, Life assurance and Annual Wellbeing Allowance
- Health Cash Plan
- Free lunch when working in the office (up to £9 per day)
- Complimentary healthy snacks and fresh fruit when working in the office
- Ride2Work Scheme
- Free parking on site
- Working hours: based on 35 hours per week. Normal office hours are 09.00 -17.00 Monday to Friday. Flexible working hours possible, with core hours of 10am-4pm.
Application process:
Please click 'Apply Now' to email your CV and Cover Letter to our recruitment team , including ‘Senior Coordinator, PR & Communications’ in the subject line of your email.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond individually to candidates, therefore only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please note that interviews may be conducted via video call.
A DBS check may be required for the successful applicant.
Equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) is a fundamental priority for the ITF. Our philosophy focusses on embedding inclusive behaviours and processes across every element of our business practices.