Job Description
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 National Basketball Social Justice Coalition:
The National Basketball Social Justice Coalition is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization that leads the NBA family’s collaborative efforts to advance social justice. Formed jointly by the NBA, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), and the National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA) in 2020, the Coalition leverages the game of basketball’s influence to promote justice policy reforms at the national, state, and local levels. Coalition board members include NBA players, team governors, and coaches, as well as NBA and NBPA leadership. The Coalition’s policy priorities are criminal justice, policing reform, voting rights, and community safety.
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced policy expert and project management professional to serve as Program Director with the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition. Reporting to the Coalition’s Head of Programs & Partnerships, the Program Director will prepare actionable policy analyses, develop, and manage a diverse portfolio of social justice policy-advocacy campaigns (policy plans and initiatives), draft strategic plans, and provide technical assistance and guidance to key partners stakeholders.
The Program Director will work closely with the Head of Programs & Partnerships to: (1) establish policy-oriented strategic plans and gameplans; (2) build and maintain partnerships with federal, state, and local policymakers, civil society organizations, and subject matter experts; and (3) represent the Coalition in various cross-functional operational workstreams. The Program Director may be responsible for supervision consultants.
The Program Director will collaborate with and serve as a policy resource for the Coalition’s Executive Director and Board of Directors, the NBA Social Responsibility and Player Programs (SRPP) team, the NBA Communications team, and various other departments across the NBA.
Major Responsibilities:
- The Program Director will work with the Executive Director and with the Head of Programs & Partnerships to manage and refine the Coalition’s advocacy agenda.
- Responsibilities include establishing and managing a portfolio of federal, state, and local advocacy campaigns developed to support the Coalition’s social justice policy agenda.
- Duties fall into the following categories:
Policy, Research & Evaluation
Conduct policy research and develop campaigns
Develop policy landscape analyses, social justice gameplans, and advocacy support for teams, players, and coaches.
Establish advocacy and programmatic metrics and evaluation processes that tie to Coalition annual objectives & key results (OKRs) for all activities.
Prepare written briefings, decks, and informational materials for engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
Events & Special Projects
Lead planning and execution of Coalition-sponsored events and programming (informational/educational or advocacy).
Partner with Communications team to manage execution of public-facing engagements and appearances by Coalition staff, board members, or other supporters.
Collaboration
Foster relationships with federal, state, and local legislative staff, civil society partners (national and local organizations with proven subject matter expertise on the Coalition’s priority areas).
Liaise with counterparts across NBA business units to ensure regular and efficient information sharing and effective collaboration.
Build relationships within NBA community including NBA league office staff, NBA team staff, players, legends, and coaches.
Required Skills/Knowledge:
Proven policy experience with track-record of successful project management.
Problem-solver with ability to design and manage complex, multilateral projects from inception to execution.
Creative and optimistic approach to advocacy with a forward-looking perspective on challenges.
Demonstrated ability to build teams, foster collaborative relationships, and forge partnerships with individuals and institutions.
Professional commitment to racial and social justice as demonstrated through previous work experience.
Strong emotional intelligence.
Experience Needed:
- Bachelor’s degree required, relevant advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years’ experience in advocacy, government, sports, entertainment, or another relevant field required.
- Experience in 501(c)(3) advocacy, 501(c)(4) lobbying, or private sector social responsibility work preferred but not required.
Salary Range: $120,000.00 - $175,000.00
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.