Director, Communications & Business Development (ANZ) - Contract

Who We Are:UFC is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 300 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 950 million households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Role SummaryThis position is responsible for leading, executing communications and promotional strategies across Australia and New Zealand to support the UFC business, its athletes and events. The role will also assist in furthering the business interests and growth of UFC across the region, working with current and/or exploring new partnerships that are endemic to UFC’s local operations and its success. Working across business units, they will identify and develop projects to achieve enhanced business outcomes specific to the ANZ market.
Please note this role is a contract role for a period of 1-year, dependent on start dates.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:Develop and maintain strong relationships with Australian and New Zealand media outletsDevelop and maintain strong relationships with Australian and New Zealand athletes and their teamsManage collaboration between local social media and marketing efforts as it relates to promotional campaigns for events, athletes and any other related activityManage delivery and contractual obligations of host city UFC event partnershipsAssist in managing delivery and contractual obligations across TKO’s Australian event partnershipsAssist SVP in acquisition of new host city event partnershipsHave an 'always on' approach to pitching UFC stories to Australian and New Zealand pressFacilitate and maximize incoming media requests and inquiriesWork with UFC broadcast and strategic partners to maximize editorial opportunitiesCreate profiling opportunities for UFC athletes and executives in and outside of sports categoriesIdentify and plan ongoing PR and content opportunities for UFC social media and partnersDrive publicity for UFC events, encouraging PPV purchase, broadcast tune-in and/or event ticket purchaseSupport publicity for Australian TKO events and talent including WWE, PBR and Zuffa BoxingDevelop and disseminate relevant communications materialsMaintain Australian and New Zealand media databaseLead PR event operations for related promotional events and local initiativesAssist Sponsorship team with new and existing partner PR/ Comms including press releases, athlete opportunities, media calls and partner initiativesProvide input towards local marketing strategy and tacticsProactively engage and collaborate with UFC broadcast partners to support their UFC offering, content creation and viewershipWork with UFC digital team to ensure localization of au.UFC.com & UFC.co.nzSupport subscription growth to UFC Fight Pass, enhancing its local offering and promotionMaintain and develop relationships with key local stakeholders (ie. Broadcasters, Government, Sponsors) and work to deliver specific projects.Identify and grow marketing / cross promotional partnerships with local athletes, influencers, clubs and/or organisationsEffective issues and crisis managementSupport local CSR initiativesSuch other responsibilities as may be advised, as required
Qualifications and Experience Required Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing or related field, or equivalent work experienceMinimum of 8 years’ related industry experience, in communications and/or business developmentGeneral knowledge of principles of effective communication and mass media, publicity, advertising, community relations and organization structure as they relate to sports and entertainmentExtensive contacts throughout the Australia and New Zealand sports and mass media marketsAbility to work proactively, both independently and within various teamsAbility to travel domestically and internationally – approximately 30%Highly motivated, passionate, committed, energeticAble to work under pressure, solve problems and work with discretion when dealing with confidential informationAbility to cultivate and establish effective relationships with all levels of internal and external stakeholdersExcellent time management and communication skillsStrategic thinker and creative problem solverProven ability to focus on delivering results and achieving targets