Communications Lead

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