Senior Communications Manager

Who is PlaySide Studios?

PlaySide is the largest independent games studio in Australia. Founded in 2011, we’re a team with big ideas and the skills to deliver with our incredible team.

In our history, we have released over 50+ titles across Mobile, PC, VR, AR, and now moving into consoles. We take so much pride in each and every project we create. PlaySide is a place of endless opportunity, where we focus on keeping the fun in game development.

We offer an amazingly professional, playful and supportive working environment. If you thrive on challenges and want to work on a diverse range of projects for a forward-thinking company, we want to hear from you!

Position Overview:

As Senior Communications Manager, you will lead the Communications team to deliver world class, global PR, social, influencer engagement, and ambassador programs.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing & Communications, you will have a proven track record of developing, and managing best in class communications strategy and execution, and working collaboratively and cross functionally in supporting the broader marketing and community teams.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of global communications strategic planning, across all business units, projects, and franchises, and in line with brand and business objectives.
• Provide expertise on how to build engaged audiences through delivering culturally and contextually relevant and compelling content for our current player base, and to attract new players.
• Support the development of direct reports, and the broader marketing and communications team in driving best-in-class communications strategy and execution.
• Provide day-to-day leadership across communications planning and execution through the Marketing & Communications team. Delegate communications tasks and define priorities effectively with all direct reports.
• Both personally draft, and manage the production of external and internal communications documents, including, but not limited to, press releases and press blasts, brand tone guidelines and social copy across all brands, and that support all relevant business objectives.
• Define tool requirements, and management of these tools, for effective measurement and reporting of communications performance.
• Build process and structure to provide weekly reporting of communications impact to the Head of Marketing & Communications and other relevant internal stakeholders.
• Drive the identification, appointment and own the relationship management of global communications agency partners, to drive the development of strategic planning and execution across all franchises and business units.
• Lead global corporate communications in consultation with key internal stakeholders.
• Set overall organizational communications objectives, drive internal public relations policies, and set priorities across the communications team.
• Stay up to date on all gaming, (e)sports, media & entertainment news, and other industry leaders, and share learnings, insights and best practices with the broader Marketing & Communications team, and key internal stakeholders on a regular basis.

Requirements:

• Communications experience across video games, PR & Communications agencies, technology, sports, or entertainment.
• A proven track record of developing best in class communications strategies that have delivered commercial success.
• In-depth knowledge of global gaming markets; with a strong network of media contacts and experience in building new relationships with existing and emerging media and influencers.
• Strong understanding of the global mobile games market and experience in driving ambassador programs designed to drive success on these platforms.
• Experience in leading small to medium-sized teams, creating clear development plans and driving team cohesion and cross-functional and departmental collaboration to gain commercial results.
• Deep working knowledge of popular social and video streaming platforms, and experience in defining strategy and designing successful content curated for each.
• A highly organized and detail-oriented problem-solver, who can quickly navigate a fast-paced business environment to find solutions and drive effective and timely decision-making.
• Equally left and right brained, with analytical skills to justify, evaluate, and report on program effectiveness, and creative judgment to align with brand vision and relevant cultural trends.
• Innovative, strategic thinker who is motivated to execute exceptionally, and is equally capable of individual execution, delegation and management of communications tasks to deliver on Marketing and Communications goals with the communications team.
• Excellent team player with the ability to build, foster, and nurture strong relationships across internal functions and external partners.
• Experience in managing a large set of internal stakeholders, agency partners, media, and ambassadors.
• Must possess exceptional ability to craft fresh, engaging, and innovative digital experiences intended to grow the cultural relevance and earned media awareness for PlaySide’s products and properties.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a confident presenter.

What we offer here at PlaySide:

• Playdays - an additional 5 paid days off per year to do something you love.
• Incredible studios based in gorgeous Port Melbourne, right next to the city and many public transport options.
• Industry-leading Parental Leave benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program to support mental well-being.
• Mentoring opportunities to help you grow in your role.
• Half price state-of-the-art Gym access! (right next door) - you can wear your free PlaySide Swag!
• Social events including Games night, karaoke nights, Movie Nights (We hire out the cinema!), group activities, and food trucks! Just as some examples!
• Relocation Assistance

What to expect from us:

We want you to get to know us as much as we get to know you! Our process will go as follows:

• You apply with your killer CV and a folio of examples of your work!
• Quick phone chat with one of our delightful People & Culture team members
• You may then be invited in for an interview (in-office or via Zoom) to outline all of your past work, and we will let you know all about PlaySide.
• 2nd stage interview or Zoom call, to meet one of our General Managers or Directors
• You’ll then get the opportunity to meet some of our current PlaySiders - this is a casual chat and a get to know you session!