About Us
The Chiefs Rugby Club was founded in 1996 as the Waikato Chiefs for the inaugural Super 12 season. The Chiefs are 1 of 5 NZ Professional rugby union teams who play in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Based in Hamilton, the Chiefs primary home ground is FMG Stadium, but covers the region including Counties, Bay of Plenty, Thames Valley, King Country, Taranaki, Waikato and Ngati Porou.
All applications to be emailed to [email protected]
Please use the subject line: Chiefs Communications and Marketing Executive
Applications close on Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 5.00pm
Position Purpose
A fixed term position has become available at the Chiefs Rugby Club based in Hamilton. The Communications and Marketing Executive delivers clear, timely and engaging communications that strengthen the Chiefs Rugby Club's relationship with fans, media, partners and the wider rugby community. The role combines hands-on ownership of the Club's CRM, email and website channels with proactive media relations and practical support for wider marketing activity.
Working closely with the Content Marketing Manager, Digital Content Lead and wider Club team, the position ensures both the Gallagher Chiefs and Chiefs Manawa are well represented across owned and earned channels throughout the season.
About the role
This role manages the Chiefs Rugby Club's owned communications and digital channels, media relations, and public communications. You will oversee day-to-day delivery through the Club's CRM and marketing automation platform, build and send EDM campaigns and automated fan journeys, manage website content, monitor performance, handle media inbox and correspondence, build relationships with media, coordinate media opportunities, prepare communications for key spokespeople, and support match-day and broadcast requirements. You will also provide copywriting and marketing support across ticketing, membership, partner and community communications.
Key responsibilities
Manage day-to-day delivery through the Club's CRM and marketing automation platform, including audience segmentation, campaign builds, testing, scheduling and deployment
Build and send EDM campaigns and automated fan journeys that support ticketing, membership, merchandise, rugby, community and partner objectives
Write, edit and publish accurate, on-brand website content through the CMS, including news, team information, match information, commercial content and campaign pages
Apply sound digital practice across email and web, including personalisation, accessibility, SEO, link checking and consistent fan journeys
Maintain database quality and support compliant collection, use and management of fan data
Monitor and report on email, automation and website performance, using results to recommend practical improvements
Manage the Club's media inbox, media phone and day-to-day correspondence with journalists, photographers and broadcast partners
Build productive relationships with local and national media and proactively identify and pitch stories that grow the profile of the Club, teams, players, coaches, partners and Chiefs Country
Coordinate regular media opportunities for the Gallagher Chiefs and Chiefs Manawa, including player and coach availability, interview requests and media sessions
Prepare talking points and interview support for players, coaches and key spokespeople
About you
Relevant experience in communications, public relations, journalism, digital marketing or a comparable role
Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to adapt content for media, email, web and stakeholder audiences
Practical experience using a CRM or customer engagement platform; experience with Braze or a similar marketing automation platform is advantageous
Experience managing website content through a CMS and an understanding of SEO and digital customer journeys
Confidence working with media, senior stakeholders, coaches and athletes in a professional environment
Strong organisation and time management, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-moving seasonal environment
Comfortable using Microsoft 365 and basic creative tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite; familiarity with analytics and reporting tools is useful
An understanding of professional sport, rugby and the New Zealand media landscape is desirable