_{09th November, 2026}

Senior Communications Manager - Black Foils SailGP Team
Auckland CBD | Global travel with the SailGP circuit | Permanent, full time

• Be the voice of one of New Zealand's most high-profile teams, locally and globally.
• Report directly to the co-CEOs, and travel to SailGP events across the global circuit
• Lead media relations, reputation management and communications on the world stage.

 
The Opportunity:
The Black Foils are led by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke. They are New Zealand's team in the Rolex SailGP Championship, where national teams race identical 50-foot foiling catamarans at close to 100 km/h at iconic venues around the world. The team is not here to blend in. It is racing to win and pushing for bold action to protect the ocean. As Senior Communications Manager, you'll work alongside the Brand Marketing Manager and the commercial team as the Black Foils build their brand in New Zealand and overseas. You'll own the team's voice, reputation, media relationships and grass roots community engagement.
 
Preferably based in the Auckland office, although London or New York would also be considered.
 
Role Summary:

• Media and reputation: main media contact for sport and mainstream media in New Zealand, internationally and in each host market.
• Crisis communications: own the crisis playbook, holding statements and spokesperson preparation, from on-water incidents to conduct or partner issues.
• Athlete media capability: train a core group of spokespeople and bring newer squad members up to standard.
• News and reactive content: publish team news (including reactive), results, commercial announcements, partnership and community stories.
• Partners and measurement: tell the partner story with Commercial, and own reporting on media value, share of voice and performance.
• Community and internal: be the link between the team and its fans, the sailing community, schools, iwi and local communities, and keep messaging consistent across the board.
• Fan events and purpose: work with Brand on watch parties and race-village activations, and tell the team's ocean advocacy and Impact League story.

 
About you
We are seeking an accomplished communications professional with exceptional storytelling ability, sound judgement and a proven track record in high-profile environments. You will bring:

• Proven experience in communications, PR, journalism or media management.
• Strong media relationships and experience managing complex communications issues.
• Outstanding writing, storytelling and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working with high-profile individuals, athletes or senior leaders.
• Confidence and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced international sporting environment.

 
This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the voice and reputation of an iconic New Zealand sporting team, with extensive international travel across the SailGP circuit.
 
Start date: ASAP, ideally by January 2027
 
Applications close: Wednesday 25 November 2026

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