Basketball Business Operations - Europe & Middle East

Position Summary

The NBA’s Basketball Operations, Europe and the Middle East (EME) works to carry out the league’s strategy of growing the game of basketball by getting more youth participating in the game and generating revenue through on-court and online programs around the world. Based in London, this position works across all business lines to develop and manage Basketball Business Operations initiatives and programs throughout EME building an eco-system that will drive new opportunities and revenue. The role will focus on commercial development of BBOPs platforms in EME including growth of the NBA Basketball Schools/NBA Centers in the region as well as supporting the growth and management of Jr. NBA programs. In addition to the daily operations, this role will contribute to the development, administration, and execution of the NBA’s global basketball strategy.

Major Responsibilities

• Drive and develop new business opportunities for NBA Basketball school programs in EME, including liaising with NY on creating and developing new initiatives, including managing the partnership finances and budgets.
• Develop new experiences which enhance the NBA Basketball School program and expand the overall customer and licensee product.
• Support the launch and operations of NBA Basketball Schools in EME, including the hiring of technical directors, coaches, and staff, to lead camp/programs, organization, and delivery.
• Relationship development and management of all EME basketball related partners and stakeholders that support events such as Jr. NBA European Finals, Basketball without Borders, etc.
• Key account manager for all global and pan European partnerships related to the delivery of Basketball Operations benefits.
• Lead on partner related delivery around key marquee events for example NBA Paris Game and NBA Abu Dhabi Game.
• Lead on special projects such as Jr. NBA Council or other related youth initiatives
• Manage Jr. NBA Leagues programs and the implementation of grassroots initiatives in EME.
• Overall lead of the NBA European Ambassador program coordinating their appearances and growth of the program.
• 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 financials for business partners including, but not limited to, assisting in the annual budget planning process and setting of key basketball school 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 Education/Professional Experience

• BS/BA (or equivalent) preferred.
• 5 years’ experience in project management and or business development
• Second language a plus

Required Skills/Knowledge Attributes

• Creative, strategic thinker that has prior sports sales experience 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
• Commercially minded and results driven with a high level of connectivity in the Europe and Middle East communities.
• Ability to use and implement data and insights in decision-making
• Excellent negotiation, communication and presentation skills
• Strong project management and event management skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple on-going projects.
• Basic knowledge of Marketing, TV and digital sales, merchandising and sponsorship and communications.
• International thinker and operator – someone who is appreciative of other cultures and business practices, preferably with experience in EME.
• Knowledge of the NBA’s international business and league operations.

• Demonstrated computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to learn new computer programs.

• Ability to work across all business lines within the organization.
• Working knowledge of the game of basketball, including current FIBA and NBA rules and regulations
• Passion for Basketball