Senior Director, UK Communications

The NIKE, Inc. Communications team develops, establishes and strengthens authentic connections with diverse audiences through the lens of innovation and sport. The team creates premium and innovative brand stories, builds and enhances corporate reputation and brand equity, and engages audiences such as consumers, media, athletes, investors, non-governmental organizations and Nike’s own employees. The team focuses on information, inspiration and connection to accelerate the growth of NIKE, Inc.

The Communications team ignites conversations, envisions the possibilities and influences and delivers new levels of creative and strategic thinking to advance the brand around the world.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced Senior Communications Director to lead our media relations team in UK. The right candidate has an extensive experience in creating and driving communications strategy, developing executive engagement plans, building trust through corporate and issue management and has a deep understanding of the sport industry.

We are looking for a self-starter with proven experience in identifying new opportunities and turning them into breakthrough communication engagement strategies and tactics. This person displays high level of agility and has the ability to communicate clear goals and enable the team to accomplish them despite incomplete information and ambiguity.

Highly collaborative and with a strong strategic instinct, the ideal candidate should exhibit critical thinking, apply knowledge consumer and media insights, trends and be able to manage multiple and competing priorities. Intelligence related to sport and football is and a culturally curious mindset are a must.

This person thrives in a dynamic environment, through a growth and winning mindset, and is a great team player able to motivate the team to think differently and invent new approaches.

What you will work on

As the leader of the Communication team in UK, you will be responsible for building and driving long-term communications strategies and innovative storytelling tactics in service of Nike’s business priorities which may include a strong focus on Football, Running and Sportswear.

You will be expected to engage with media, influencers and platforms – from providing them with timely information to crafting experiences that will make their work with us feel more meaningful and anchored in our passion for sports, athletes, and communities.
 

In addition to this you will also be the critical thought partner of the UK Leadership team, working closely with the Brand and Sport Marketing team, Clubs and Federations business partners as well as other communications teammates in EMEA, Global, North America, GC and APLA.

You will:

• Develop and execute strategic communications plans for the UK
• Seek outside-world opportunities that takes us to new spaces and the edges of sport and sport culture
• Provide strategic counsel and own day-to-day relationships with Football business, marketing and other functional stakeholders and at times Club and Federation partners
• Re-establish and strengthen authentic connections with key media in UK
• Be an architect of a new media / medium network for Nike focused on youth
• Anticipate, navigate and manage issues as needed
• Create, lead and execute key communication initiatives, events and sport and athlete moments within UK.

What you bring

• Visionary Communications leader with a proven track record of shaping and executing Media Relations, Brand, and Narrative Communications strategies within a high-profile corporation or agency, driving the success of global brands in sport and culture.
• Skilled communicator with extensive relationships across earned media and platforms in the UK, leveraging deep industry influence to amplify brand reputation and deliver impactful communication outcomes.
• Expert in Employee/Internal Communications, adept at aligning internal stakeholders around shared goals, fostering collaboration, and cultivating a culture of transparency and engagement.
• Crisis management authority with a history of anticipating complex issues, mitigating reputational risks, and designing robust frameworks that enhance organizational readiness and resilience.
• Acute cultural and societal awareness, providing strategic counsel on navigating dynamic political, social, and cultural landscapes to seize opportunities and manage high-stakes moments.
• World-class writer and storyteller with extensive experience crafting compelling executive narratives and steering communications strategies for Senior Executives in complex, global environments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the national media and political landscape, combined with expertise in managing high-profile, high-pressure media relations and public engagements.
• Deep expertise in football and sport communications, with extensive experience partnering with top athletes, clubs, federations, and leagues to design and deliver transformative strategies that elevate brand impact.
• Inspirational leader with a demonstrated ability to build and empower high-performing, diverse teams, fostering a culture of trust, inclusion, and accountability while driving results.
• Passionate about leadership development, operational excellence, and leveraging communications to shape culture, amplify purpose, and deliver business success on a global stage.

This position will be based at our Nike office in London and will report into the VP Communications, EMEA. Relocation support is available and the closing date for applications is 2nd February.