The national ice-hockey governance body is pleased to announce a vacancy for a Media Officer within the Department of Player Safety (DOPS). This key role will be responsible for managing and executing all external communications arising from DOPS investigations, disciplinary hearings, appeals and official rulings. The successful candidate will ensure that process transparency, clarity of outcomes and consistency of messaging underpin public-facing material regarding player conduct and sanctions.
Role Overview
The Media Officer will operate as the primary interface between DOPS and media channels, including press releases, social-media updates, website posts and stakeholder communications. They will assist in drafting official statements for hearing decisions, summarise key points from disciplinary reports (whilst respecting confidentiality protocols), and co-ordinate responses to enquiries from clubs, players, fans and the broader public. Furthermore, the post holder will work closely with DOPS case-managers to understand outcomes and to ensure that published content adheres to regulatory guidelines and organisational policy.
Key Responsibilities
– Drafting, editing and distributing official communications regarding DOPS outcomes, sanctions and appeals.
– Managing and publishing case-outcome summaries, working within the regulatory framework of the governing body.
– Liaising with internal stakeholders – including legal, safeguarding and operations teams – to ensure – accuracy and compliance in all messaging.
– Monitoring media coverage and public commentary concerning DOPS rulings and assisting in reputation-management where required.
– Maintaining a content calendar for DOPS communications and ensuring timely publication aligned with hearing schedules.
– Supporting the education and risk-awareness agenda of DOPS by producing media content that reinforces standards of conduct, accountability and player safety culture.
Person Specification
The ideal candidate will bring:
– Proven experience in media relations, journalism or communications – ideally in a sport-governance or regulatory environment.
– Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, with the ability to translate technical or legal information into clear, accessible language.
– Understanding of or willingness to engage with ice-hockey operations and disciplinary frameworks. The DOPS Rules & Procedures document sets out the role of the department in overseeing conduct, sanctions and appeals within the sport.
– Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines (e.g., aligning press-releases with hearings, embargoes and appeals).
– Sound judgement and understanding of confidentiality, data-protection and safeguarding requirements inherent to disciplinary communications.
Why This Role Matters
Effective communications are central to the credibility and transparency of disciplinary governance in sport. Within ice-hockey, DOPS plays a pivotal role in shaping conduct standards and ensuring fair play. A dedicated Media Officer will enhance how these processes are presented to clubs, players, fans and media alike – reinforcing trust, promoting clarity and supporting a culture of accountability.
Next Steps
Interested candidates should review the full job description available via the governing body’s careers portal, and submit applications by the stated closing date. We welcome applications from individuals who share our commitment to integrity, fairness and the responsible communication of disciplinary matters in UK ice-hockey.