Job Description
Communications Lead
the NBA
New York, NY 10022
At the NBA, we’re passionate about growing and celebrating the game of basketball. Through the intensity of the game and the amazing athletic skill of our players, we deliver excitement to hundreds of millions of fans around the world.
As a global sports and media business, the NBA is so much more. While Basketball Operations runs the league’s on-court activities, other departments manage relationships with television and digital media partners, develop marketing partnerships with some of the world’s most recognizable companies, oversee the licensing of NBA merchandise, and handle a wide range of responsibilities that drive the NBA’s success.
Position Summary: This position will oversee the communications strategy and execution for Social Responsibility (SR), Player Development (PD), Player Image (PI) and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) efforts of the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League and 2K League.
Major Responsibilities:
Develop and oversee strategic communications plans for league philanthropy, social justice and civic engagement efforts (NBA/WNBA Cares, NBA Together, NBA Foundation, National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, NBA Voices, NBA/WNBA FIT, etc.), government affairs programs and initiatives and related grassroots efforts at international events
Develop and oversee strategic communications plans, messaging, and promotion of leaguewide D&I efforts and programs, including the Coaches Equality Initiative, Women's Leadership Initiative, Supplier Diversity and more
Identify issues and reputational threats to the league and develop strategies and plans to address them
Direct communications strategy and media promotion for PD programs, including Rookie Transition Program, NBA Draft, Assistant Coaches Program, Basketball Operations Associates Program, Corporate Crossover program, etc.
Oversee preparation of key messages, Q&A, press releases and internal communications for announcements and executive speaking engagements for relevant department efforts and leaders (SR, PD and D&I)
Coach, mentor and enhance the professional development of others
Required Skills/Knowledge:
Minimum 10 years in public relations/communications field
Communications experience in government relations, politics, issue management, social justice and diversity and inclusion fields strongly preferred
Established media contacts within lifestyle, entertainment, health and wellness, digital, tech, business, philanthropy and sports media, and a proven track record of landing successful stories
Strong crisis communications experience
Experience managing, leading, and motivating a team
Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines
Ability to handle high-pressure situations with poise and confidence
Self-starter, detail-oriented, organized, flexible, accurate
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with all levels within NBA and other high-level outside contacts
Ability to travel as needed
Demonstrated computer proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Education:
Bachelor's degree in communications or related field preferred
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