Senior Account Executive | Sport Communications | London

Hanover Sport is recruiting for a Senior Account Executive who will work across our biggest sport brand accounts – NFL and UFC - and be a key part of a fast-paced growing team.

Our industry-leading communications team believes that sport is at the center of the universe, driving entertainment, culture, purchasing, policy, community engagement, tourism, and of course participation.

The business of sport is complex, that’s why our team combines experts in the fields of strategic communications, brand storytelling, sponsorship activation, international affairs, and media and political engagement to help organizations use the platform of sport to achieve their goals.

Purpose

To be a key member of the team with day-to-day execution of client campaigns including media relations, social media, content creation, creative ideation, and events. The role will include working across a diverse range of sports brands including the likes of NFL, UFC, Youth Sports Trust, Minnesota Vikings, and the New York Jets. There will also be projects with brands such as drinks brand Minus 196 and Pizza Hut.

As part of a young and dynamic team, you will be expected to bring ideas, energy, and curiosity to the day-to-day running of the agency and client work.

Client responsibilities – 90% of your time

Direct report: Account Manager & Account Lead

To be at the heart of day-to-day account delivery including media relations, social media, content creation, and events. The role will include working across the diverse range of brands delivering game-changing work for core clients:

• UFC – Talent media interviews to tell unique stories ahead of major events, targeting core sport and wider lifestyle media to broaden the appeal of UFC in the UK, plus ongoing media meetings, content creation, and proactive idea pitching. Role includes media management at the landmark UFC events in the UK.
• NFL – Brand and community initiative storytelling, talent media interviews, and proactive opportunities to celebrate the sport and its cultural impact. Your role will be client-facing and heavily focused on growing new media’s understanding of the sport and suggesting proactive ideas that promote the brand. With many events throughout the year, you will be part of the team that oversees the media function – these range from regional community events to fashion launches and global media at the NFL London Games.

Agency responsibilities: 10% of your time

• Participate in training and cross-network creative ideation sessions.
• Actively engage with new business from backstage development to pitch presentation.
• Be a proactive player in creating a positive agency culture that motivates and inspires your peers.
• To actively collaborate with cross-agency/network teams.
• To embody the agency values in your work and how you work in teams.

Experience and skills required:

Personal Attributes

• A broad understanding of the UK media landscape.
• Finger on the pulse for trends and passionate interest in sport and lifestyle.
• Confident communicator within large groups.
• Proactive, committed, enthusiastic, and energetic.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Instinctive understanding of digital and social media.
• Highly organized with great attention to detail.
• Adept at building relationships with external and internal stakeholders.

Clients

• Knowledge of the sports that we work with, plus general passion for sport and appreciation of its influence on culture.
• Compiling lists of relevant media for specific client campaigns.
• Liaising with the media to gain positive coverage.
• Drafting high-quality press releases and relevant media materials.
• Attending internal account meetings and drafting action notes.
• Monitoring campaign outcomes and compiling client reports.
• Supporting social and digital client campaigns.
• Organizing logistics for client events and creative initiatives.
• Attending and supporting on experiential events.
• Liaising with talent and developing their profile to a broader range of media beyond sport.

New Business

• Carrying out research to provide insights for client and new business briefs.
• Tracking sport, cultural, media, and industry trends to inform the team.
• Administrative support for the team and new client accounts.
• Confidence supporting on proposals and being part of the pitch team.

OUR CULTURE

We are navigated (and hire) with our values front of mind:

• Show respect.
• Push boundaries.
• All in.
• Say how good you are.
• Know your stuff.
• Say it like it is.

Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary, your core benefits package will include:

• An annual performance-related bonus plus additional bonus potential linked to recruitment, new business, and long service.
• 25 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays).
• Private healthcare insurance.
• A company pension plan, including 5% employer contribution.

You’ll also have access to a wide range of opportunities and initiatives, including:

• Flexible working policies, plus eligibility to apply for a sabbatical after 2 years’ service.
• Summer Fridays finish (3pm) – early Friday finish the rest of the year (4pm).
• The Hanover Academy, which incorporates training, coaching, mentoring, and reverse-mentoring opportunities to support personal development and career progression across all levels, with a generous training budget.
• International secondments as well as the opportunity to collaborate with all offices across the AVENIR GLOBAL’s network.
• A wellbeing programme, featuring (but not limited to) pre- and post-maternity leave coaching, a working parents’ group, subsidised gym membership, LiveSmart sessions on mindfulness, sleep, etc.
• Our Culture Club, with a robust social calendar all year round, Trailblazer of the Month award, Lunch & Learns, CSR activity, and an opportunity to win an Out of Office activity fund.