WORK OPTION: The NBA currently provides eligible employees the option of working remotely one day per week.
_________________
Position Summary
This is a 12 month project role. This position will be responsible for developing and executing strategic communications plans to support and accelerate the growth of the NBA, WNBA, and 2K League's presence and business objectives across Europe and the Middle East. This role focuses on leading and developing strategic communications and execution for new and renewed partnerships including Content and Media Distribution, Marketing, Licensing, Retail and Consumer Products, with an emphasis on generating positive media coverage to increase visibility and elevate the leagues’ brands in the region.
The Senior Manager will also support lead Corporate Communications processes including identifying and securing high-profile executive speaking engagements and league and executive awards that will demonstrate the league as a leader in innovation and a valuable property for prospective partners. In addition, this role will work closely with internal teams and external partners to craft and execute media strategies for key NBA events, partnerships, and community initiatives.
Major Responsibilities
- Develop and execute communications strategies for the NBA’s key partnerships, including Marketing, Licensing, Retail (NBA Stores), and Consumer Products. Responsibilities include developing press materials and executive messaging, overseeing announcements and events and conducting proactive outreach to drive brand awareness and media engagement
- Act as the primary communications point of contact for a portfolio of major NBA partners.
- Generate and deliver culture-first storytelling and media relations strategies that build the awareness of the NBA brands, business announcements and fan first experiences outside of traditional sports media.
- Support and deliver media strategy for high-profile NBA events in the region, including NBA Global Games in EME, and global tentpole events, including Emirates NBA Cup, NBA on Christmas Day, NBA All-Star and NBA Finals. Focus on securing media coverage to boost awareness, drive ticket sales, and enhance viewer engagement, with a strong emphasis on local and regional PR efforts.
- Set and execute the communications strategy for all activities in the Middle East.
- Coordinate thought leadership and award submissions for NBA business initiatives that highlight the NBA’s impact and leadership in the region.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align communication objectives and campaigns with regional goals and broader league priorities.
- Serve as a key PR agency liaison.
- Draft key messages, Q&As, press releases, media pitches and executive briefing documents. Ensure consistency in messaging across all initiatives.
Required Skills/Knowledge
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Proficiency in additional languages is a plus.
- Ability to anticipate potential challenges and identify opportunities to promote and protect the NBA brand in a complex, dynamic media environment.
- Strong strategic thinking skills to translate business goals into actionable communications plans.
- Existing media relationships with top-tier media outlets and journalists across the region. Familiarity with the media landscape in Europe is essential and the Middle East is a plus.
- Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with internal teams, external partners, and senior leadership.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality. Skilled at managing timelines and meeting tight deadlines.
- Deep understanding and passion for the NBA and basketball, with a background in sports communications preferred.
- A proactive, self-starter who takes initiative and works with minimal supervision to drive results.
Experience Needed
- Minimum 7 years of PR experience in sports communications, media relations, or public relations, with a focus on global partnerships orevent communications.
- Proven experience in developing and executing strategic communications plans that drive business results.
- Experience working in a multinational or regional role, with a strong understanding of media trends, landscape and best practices.
- Strong knowledge of and experience in sports and cultural media relations, crisis communications, and reputation management a plus.
Educational Background Required
- Bachelor’s degree in PR, Communications, Journalism or related discipline required.
Salary Range
N/A
Job Posting Title
Project
The NBA does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or any other third parties. Any unsolicited resume sent to the NBA will be considered NBA property, and the NBA will not pay a fee should it hire the subject of any unsolicited resume.
The NBA considers applicants for all positions on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs, and without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, marital status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status, familial status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
The NBA is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. To safeguard our employees and their families, our visitors, and the broader community from COVID-19, and in consideration of recommendations from health authorities and the NBA’s own advisors, any individual working onsite in our New York and New Jersey offices must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The NBA will discuss accommodations for individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.
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.
