International Basketball Business Development Lead
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.
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, including having received a booster when eligible. The NBA will discuss accommodations for individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is responsible to create and implement the global business development strategy for NBA International Basketball Operations programs including Jr. NBA, NBA Basketball Schools, Basketball Without Borders and NBA Academies. This position will report to the International Basketball Business Operations Team Leader and be based in NY.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY:
The candidate will lead and implement the following key functions for NBA International Basketball Operations:
Lead department global business development strategy to ensure revenue generation through strategic partnerships related to all international basketball programs, including a focus on direct-to consumer opportunities
Work with NBA Global Partnerships, New Business Development, and other internal stakeholders to identify, research and analyze new business opportunities for NBA International Basketball Operations programs
Serve as the liaison between NBA International Basketball and business partners, including but not limited to partners day-to-day contact, the delivery of contractual obligations, financial management, and the execution of partnership marketing benefits
Collaborate with NBA regional offices (16 international locations) to explore, establish and execute regional business, partnerships, and sponsorships opportunities in key markets for NBA International Basketball Operations programs
Collaborate with International Basketball Brand & Content Lead to explore content creation opportunities with potential new business partners
Work closely with NBA Legal team to complete due diligence, compliance and deal memo including financial deal terms
Support with the development of International Basketball Operations overview decks, marketing materials, and business partners proposals as needed
Manage, track and report global and regional financials for business partners including but not limited to assisting in the annual budget planning process and setting key metrics to measure and maintain success and continued growth
Build strong consensus and effective working relationship with key NBA constituencies including Global Marketing Partnerships, Global Media Distribution, Global Strategy & Innovation, Events, Public Relations, Legal, Finance, Marketing, and all affiliate leagues.
REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE:
Passion for NBA and a strong understanding of the global basketball landscape
Creative, strategic thinker that is able to shape, develop and execute global business development and sales strategy
International thinker and operator that is appreciative of and well-versed in other cultures and business practices
Knowledge of the NBA's international business and league operations
Experience working effectively in a multinational matrix organization
Demonstrated ability to create and manage complex business plans and budgets
Commercially minded and results driven, problem-solver with a track record of securing high level partnerships
Ability to use and implement data and insights in decision-making
Excellent negotiation, communication and presentation skills
Ability to forecast issues in projects, troubleshoot, and problem solve with internal constituents and external partners
Experience constructing financial models to conceptualize strategic projects and build long-term forecasts
A successful track record of developing, enhancing, and maintaining strong working relationships with both internal and external clients
Significant global cultural awareness with emphasis on local culture
Strong project management and event management skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple on-going assignments
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
Proven professionalism with confidential information
Ability to work well within a team environment
Detail-oriented, organized and able to work autonomously
Demonstrated computer proficiency (Microsoft Outlook/Word/Excel/PowerPoint, Box, Slack) and ability to learn new computer programs
Ability to travel internationally
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience and proven results in relevant field (international sports business development, partnerships, sponsorships, sales, marketing, or account management)
Verbal and written fluency in English required, additional language skills a plus
EDUCATION:
SALARY RANGE:
We Consider Applicants For All Positions On The Basis Of Merit, Qualifications And Business Needs, And Without Regard To Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Gender Identity, Age, Disability, Alienage Or Citizenship Status, Ancestry, Marital Status, Creed, Genetic Predisposition Or Carrier Status, Sexual Orientation, 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.
As a global sports and media business, the National Basketball Association (NBA) is driven by data, technology, and creativity. From streaming live entertainment and games, to emerging technology and data analytics, to marketing, media production and more, you’ll find your growth opportunity.
Whatever your passion, there’s a place for top professionals at the NBA.