Job Title: Club Journalist
Department: Content
Reporting: Head of Editorial
Location: Vantage office/Training Ground
Closing Date: 17:00 on 15/09/24
Regulated Role: No
Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.
Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.
We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.
We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.
We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.
Come join us.
Inclusion Statement
Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. Whilst our recruitment decisions are always based on merit and suitability, we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities.
Safeguarding Statement
Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.
Please note that where appropriate for the role, you will be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and police checks for any time you have lived or worked outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this at https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record
Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.
If the role you are applying for involves regulated activity and you have been shortlisted for a first stage interview, you will be asked to fill out a Declaration of Offences Form.
The Role of the Club Journalist
Brentford Football Club is enjoying the most exciting period in its history and we’re looking for an accomplished writer to join our team and tell our story.
The Club Journalist will be responsible for producing Brentford’s match programme and any other publications as requested.
As programme editor, the Club Journalist will manage a team of freelance contributors and work closely with a graphic designer, illustrator and the club’s in-house photography team to create high-impact visual content.
Brentford launched a new website in the summer of 2022 and recently launched a new app to enhance fan engagement. The Club Journalist will support with the day-to-day output on both platforms.
From long-form features to news, match reports and player profiles, the Club Journalist must have a flair for writing, a meticulous eye for detail and a strong editorial instinct.
Based within the content department, the Club Journalist will embrace Brentford’s values and have the confidence to connect with our players and coaching staff. Your deep understanding of the club and community will be evident in the content you produce.
Reporting to the head of editorial, this role will require extensive UK travel (including for the majority of first-team fixtures) and flexibility around working hours.
Main Accountabilities
- Editor of the club’s match programme, managing a team of freelance contributors to produce each issue. Working closely with a graphic designer, illustrator and the club’s in-house photography team to deliver high-impact visual content
- Supporting on the day-to-day output on brentfordfc.com and Brentford’s official app
- Uploading video content to the Brentford app and website. Writing video titles and descriptions and ensuring best practice in tagging and playlisting
- Working closely with the head of editorial and app editor to develop and execute an editorial strategy that aligns with the club's overall commercial and marketing objectives
- Attending first-team games, home and away, providing coverage for our fans and followers
- Planning and undertaking interviews with players and staff that aligns with the editorial strategy and delivers unrivalled insight to supporters
- Proposing and producing engaging, emotive and innovative feature content that celebrates and showcases the club’s important stories
- Representing the editorial team in meetings across the club
- Assisting in the delivery of all content objectives
- Ensure that all contact with players complies with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and that any concerns are shared with the Safeguarding Team through appropriate channels.
General Club Accountabilities
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To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including safeguarding, health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations (GDPR and PECR)
- To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.
- To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements
- To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC
- To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel
- To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times
- To ensure compliance with all Matchday Safeguarding processes and the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes
- To ensure compliance with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes.
- To promote and support positive mental health and wellbeing throughout the Club both on and off the field.
- To promote equity, diversity and inclusion at the Club, in line with our EDI strategy
Key Internal Relationships
- Football Department
- Marketing Services
- Corporate Affairs
- Intel and Insights
Person Specification - Essential Characteristics
- Degree in a relevant field or equivalent NCTJ qualification
- Previous experience in professional football or digital media
- Sound editorial judgement and a strong understanding of sensitives around club content
- A natural storyteller with exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work at a fast pace under pressure but also maintain a strong eye for detail
- Able to demonstrate a passion and curiosity for football-related media and have a strong understanding of digital trends
- Must be comfortable with out-of-hours work and working reactively to tight deadlines
- Confident using a CMS
- Understanding of best practices for publications, app and website content
- A supportive team player with the ability to guide other members of the content department as required
