Communications Director

PURPOSE

The Communication Director will be responsible for developing and delivering a coherent, high-impact communications strategy that reflects the collective strategic direction set by the Managing Directors (MDs) across all departments — from performance and participation to commercial and governance. This leadership role will translate the narrative defined by the MDs and build strategies and campaigns to communicate their vision, values, and activities both internally and externally.

This role will also lead a dynamic communications team to craft compelling stories, foster engagement, and grow cricket’s reach both nationally and globally. The role will also serve as a key advisor to the Executive team on reputational issues and proactive public positioning. Additionally, they will also have executive-level responsibility for public affairs and Government relations, working on a range of issues where cricket and the public sector interact.

WHO WE ARE

The England and Wales Cricket Board is the national governing body for all cricket in England and Wales, supporting the game at every level – from grassroots to professional. We believe cricket is a force for good that can have an enduring impact on everyone’s lives, and we have an ambitious strategy to inspire a generation to say ‘cricket is a game for me’. It provides great entertainment. It teaches important skills, both physical and social. It can help inclusion and social cohesion, bringing communities together.

The ECB wants cricket to be the most inclusive sport in England and Wales. The ECB welcomes applications from all backgrounds to ensure we deliver our Inspiring Generations strategy and fulfil our purpose to connect communities and improve lives through cricket.

OUR VALUES

• Run on respect. We ensure our game is based on fairness, respect and decency.
• Embrace enjoyment. We make sure everyone finds fun in the game.
• Build belonging. We actively include so everyone can find a place in the game.
• Progress with purpose. We stay open to change to keep the game moving forward.

YOU’LL LOVE THIS JOB IF

• You are passionate about sport and wish to harness its power to connect communities and improve lives in the work that you do.
• You enjoy working alongside passionate professionals and leading an innovative, purpose-led team.
• You have a strong desire to grow cricket’s relevance, reach, and reputation across the UK and beyond.

YOU’LL BE DOING

Strategic Leadership

• Developing and implementing an integrated communications strategy aligned with the ECB’s strategic plan, drawing directly from the MDs’ strategic priorities.
• Ensuring consistent messaging and tone across all communication platforms.
• Collaborating with directors and leaders across departments to translate operational strategies into engaging narratives.

Social Media and Content

• Oversee the strategic development of the ECB’s social media channels to increase visibility, engagement, and brand affinity.
• Set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and evaluate performance across platforms, using analytics to drive decision-making.
• Ensure appropriate tone, voice, and timing of all content published on social media, including during crisis or high-profile events.
• Lead content innovation through video, livestreams, athlete-led features, and partnerships.

Media Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
• Act as a key spokesperson when required and manage high-profile communications, including crisis and reputation management.
• Oversee press releases, briefings, and major campaign roll-outs to ensure alignment and impact.

Public Affairs

• Influence Government and policy to support cricket’s aims.
• Build strong relationships with political, civic, and community stakeholders.
• Protect and enhance cricket’s reputation in local and national Government.
• Advocate for investment in grassroots, facilities, and talent pathways.
• Align cricket with national priorities on health, youth development, and sustainability.
• Lead coordinated public affairs activity across the game for consistent messaging.

Internal Communications

• Develop strategies for effective internal communications that promote alignment, engagement, and a shared culture among staff.
• Ensure clear, timely, and transparent communication from leadership to staff, especially during organisational change or important milestones.

Reputation & Crisis Management

• Act as a senior counsel to the Board, CEO and MDs on sensitive or reputational issues.
• Lead proactive and reactive communications as unforeseen issues arise, as well as during crises, including managing media scrutiny and stakeholder concerns.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and inspire a multi-disciplinary communications team, fostering a culture of inclusion, creativity, collaboration, and accountability.
• Oversee team development and resource allocation to meet organisational priorities.
• Encourage innovation in communication techniques and platforms, especially in digital media.

YOU’LL HAVE

• Proven experience in a senior communications leadership role, ideally in sport, public sector, or a complex stakeholder environment.
• Demonstrable success in developing and delivering integrated communication strategies at a national level.
• Strong understanding of the UK media landscape and digital content trends.
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience in building and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent writing, messaging, and public speaking skills.
• Experience managing communications in a high-pressure, high-profile environment.
• Experience working with or within national governing bodies or large sporting institutions.
• Understanding of the regulatory and political landscape affecting sport in the UK.

YOU’LL RECEIVE

• Holiday - 25 days a year
• Volunteering – 2 days a year
• Pension - Non-contributory pension
• Private medical insurance
• Employee health cash-back plan
• Long-term sickness insurance
• Life assurance - four times your annual basic salary
• Enhanced family leave and pay
• OpenBlend - an innovative coaching and performance management tool
• People Academy - a range of programmes and initiatives to help you develop and reach your potential
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 confidential access to expert services including counselling, wellbeing, and independent legal and financial advice
• 30% Castore discount
• Cycle 2 Work Scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Preferential access to tickets to England and The Hundred games
• Opportunities to be a part of and be involved in our Employee Resource groups: Women in Cricket Employee Network, Race in Cricket Employee Network, Social Equality in Cricket Employee Network, Cricketability Employee Network (formerly called the Disability in Cricket Employee Network) and LGBTQ+ Community in Cricket Employee Network