Head of Group External Affairs

Rugby in Scotland is enjoying a resurgence at international and professional level. The national team, age grades, sevens, women’s teams and pro clubs are experiencing success and competitiveness on the global stage. The support for these teams has never been stronger and more than half a million fans have been welcomed to international and professional fixtures this season. There have now been 14 consecutive sell-outs for Scotland matches at BT Murrayfield and off the field, turnover is at record levels and has grown by 63% since 2011.

These increases have been driven by growth in broadcast revenue, as well as hospitality and other events at BT Murrayfield and Scottish Rugby is continuing to investigate ways to diversify revenue streams through globalising its brand.

This is a new position and a fantastic opportunity which will work in collaboration with the Senior Management Team to set the strategy and lead Corporate Affairs, nationally, regionally and on local levels.

It is responsible for supporting the further development of Scottish Rugby’s reputation as a global brand, which lives by its values and inspires Scotland through rugby and it will set a cohesive and strategic communications plan (internal and external) for it at all levels. Also key will be the support into the group wide digital media strategy and OTT platform development. It will also further develop existing strategic relationships with local and national media, various stakeholder organisations and national and local politicians.

Candidates will therefore have high-level experience in external communications working across functions, businesses and government and by developing and implementing strategy. This will also include experience of working to deadlines in a high profile, demanding, complex and fast-moving environment. Other important attributes will be good team leadership, commercial awareness, confident public speaking and, of course, communications, both written and verbal. An interest in rugby is naturally important as well.

For further information and detailed conversation please contact Willie Finlayson via willie@fwbparkbrown.com or by phone 0131 539 7087.

To apply please send your CV to cv@fwbparkbrown.com.