WORK OPTION: The NBA currently provides eligible employees the option of working remotely one day per week.
Position Summary/Justification
The PR & Communications Senior Manager will support NBA Africa’s efforts to enhance BAL brand visibility, drive fan engagement, and deliver impactful messaging across the continent. This role focuses primarily on managing all aspects of NBA Africa PR and Communications, including media relations, executing communication campaigns, and supporting event communications to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.Based in Kenya, the role involves close collaboration with internal teams, media outlets, and external partners to amplify NBA Africa and BAL’s voice while maintaining brand consistency and credibility.
Major Responsibilities
- Media Relations: Manage relationships with media outlets, coordinate press releases, and secure positive media coverage across African markets
- Campaign Execution: Assist in developing and implementing integrated communication campaigns to promote NBA Africa initiatives, events, and programs
- Event Communications: Oversee on-site media events and operations during the NBA Africa season, including media outreach, credentialing, press conferences and media availabilities, and post-event coverage
- Storytelling: Develop compelling narratives about NBA Africa players, programs, and fan experiences to enhance brand storytelling
- Content Creation: Collaborate with internal teams to create press materials, social media content, and communication assets
- Crisis Communication: Support the management of crisis communication plans, ensuring consistency in messaging during sensitive situations
- Monitoring and Reporting: Track media coverage and campaign performance, generating insights to improve future efforts
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with marketing, content, and sponsorship teams to deliver cross-functional communication strategies
Required Skills/Knowledge
- Media Expertise: Strong understanding of media relations and storytelling techniques, with an established network of media contacts in Africa
- Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
- Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
- Crisis Management: Experience in handling crisis communication and maintaining brand reputation under pressure
- Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve common goals
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and proficiency in French is required
Experience Needed
- 6–8 years of experience in PR and communications, preferably in sports, media, telecommunications or entertainment
- Demonstrated success in managing media relations and delivering integrated communication campaigns
- Experience working in African markets, with knowledge of local media landscapes across traditional and digital PR
Educational Background Required
- Bachelor’s degree in PR, Communications, Marketing, or a related field
- Professional certifications in PR or Communications are a plus
Salary Range
N/A
Job Posting Title
Senior Manager
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About The NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2021-22 season featured a record 121 international players from 40 countries. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 2.1 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.