February 2019

POSITION DESCRIPTION

New Zealand Marketing and Communications Manager

February 2019

JOB TITLE: Marketing and Communications Manager

ORGANISATION: Rugby League

LOCATION: Penrose, , New Zealand

REPORTING TO: GM Commercial and Communications

ABOUT LEAGUE: Rugby league has played a significant part in New Zealand sport for over 100 years. Formed in 1910, (NZRL) is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in New Zealand.

The NZRL catchment is divided into seven zones that service the grassroots needs of the game. These zones compete in the National Championship, as well as women’s, youth and schools competitions. The NZRL manages the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns who are both currently ranked number two in the world.

NZRL is not just about success on the field - it is also charged with caring for a community off-field, promoting the values of integrity, respect, leadership, courage and passion. The “more than just a game” philosophy has seen NZRL establish innovative social development programmes using rugby league to help communities improve their lives off the field.

NZRL VISION: • Building a stronger family and community game NZRL MISSION: • To lead and inspire people through their Rugby League experience KEY FOCUS • Increase participation • Building capability and support • Funding to enable performance and growth • Success on the international stage OUR 5 YEAR GOALS • Stronger Rugby League Communities • Better Rugby League experiences • Financially sustainable game • winners

POSITION PURPOSE: The Marketing & Communications Manager has responsibility to deliver:

• the Brand strategy; • the Communications strategy including Digital; and • Implementation of all marketing and communications plans across a range of digital and social channels.

February 2019

MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE ▪ Increased awareness and positive perception of NZRL brands; ▪ Relevant, timely and current website content ▪ Increased social media following; ▪ Retention of key commercial partners; ▪ Enhanced experience for end users on digital platforms; and ▪ Improved communications.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS: Internal External

• NZRL CEO • NZRL key commercial partners • NZRL GM Commercial & • NRL clubs Communications • Australian RLC staff • Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns & • Event Organisers such as RLWC Head Coaches, management etc and players • Media representatives in NZ and • NZRL staff overseas • Zone & District staff & members • NZRL Board

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Brand Management • Liaise with relevant NZRL personnel to ensure all activities are fully integrated with brand strategies and values; • Maintain brand standards and guidelines for the use of the NZRL properties ensuring their protection and correct application; and • Manage trade marking registration & renewals, policing & enforcement in conjunction with Simpson Grierson.

Commercial Partners Assist GM Commercial & Communications when required to ensure ongoing strong relationships with all NZRL sponsors & commercial partners in particular working with commercial partners to develop aligned marketing and communications messaging

Marketing ▪ Development and implementation of marketing strategy ▪ Create and deliver the marketing and promotional plan for the International Matches and Events ▪ Develop relevant and interesting digital marketing content to distribute across all channels (e-newsletters, social channels in an effort to grow audience and engagement across NZRL members, zones, districts and other key stakeholders. ▪ Develop and implement a CRM strategy that builds an informed, engaged and loyal membership base. February 2019

Communications ▪ Owns NZRL communications strategy and relevant plans to ensure reach and NZRL message delivery is clear, consistent and understood by all stakeholders. ▪ Ensures all communications enhance and reinforce the NZRL brand and its values ▪ Ensures through focused communications that the NZRL community has visibility, transparency & remains informed of NZRL activity & initiatives. ▪ Owns & drives all communication channels and platforms with responsibility for all content generation. ▪ Manages the website and ensures it is regularly updated with current and relevant content ▪ Manage all Media Relationships ensuring NZRL, remains accessible, professional, timely in its responses and consistent in all media dealings. ▪ Liaises with the Kiwis Media Manager to ensure messaging is consistent. Maybe required to carry out this role from time to time dependent on the nature of the Kiwis’ campaigns. ▪ Provide media management support to other NZRL National Teams (Kiwi Ferns, Junior Kiwis and age-grade teams ▪ Manage relevant NZRL branded events to ensure brand and communications consistency across all NZRL activity. ▪ Ensures through actions of self that the NZRL is seen as service centric, easy to deal with, responsive and a high functioning organisation that delivers internally and externally. ▪ Lives our values of Integrity, Respect, Leadership, Courage and Passion and keeps them to the fore in all interactions internally and externally. ▪ Provide strategic communications advice to the Senior Management Team on a broad range of communication and media advocacy issues; ▪ Establish an Issues Management strategy to assist the CEO to respond quickly to media opportunities or to controversial issues.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Tertiary Marketing qualifications, with a minimum of two years’ marketing and / or communications experience • Experience in a marketing role with demonstrated digital and social marketing communications including email marketing • Strong communications and interpersonal skills and a high level of integrity • A high level of computer skills including the Microsoft Office Suite and Photoshop and/or InDesign • Excellent organisational skills, time management and attention to detail • Energetic, personable and able to work co-operatively with other team members • Proven ability to multi-task, work under pressure and within required deadlines • Have a passion for Rugby League and growing the ; • Have an understanding of the sports wider importance and relevance to New Zealand communities; • Values based with high morals; • Be able to demonstrate innovative thinking and development of concepts; February 2019

• Collaborative style and team player with the ability to develop a positive culture and working relationship; • Willingness to take ownership and be held accountable; • A willingness to challenge and be challenged, able to listen; • Ability to deal with a high level of public scrutiny and operate in an environment with complex stakeholder groups; • Excellent networks established within the Rugby League community and media space;