Partner Management Lead - Europe & Middle East

WORK OPTION: The NBA currently provides eligible employees the option of working remotely one day per week.

_________________

Major Responsibilities:

Lead multi-person partnership teams that are responsible for managing all business matters for key global partners ranging from activation strategy and media planning to use of IP/creative approvals partnership measurement across NBA, WNBA and/or USA Basketball

Serve as senior partner contact to drive overall strategy, navigate partnership issues and troubleshoot solutions

Identify opportunities and develop proposals that align with near and long-term partner brand objectives and drive incremental revenue to help achieve annual financial goals across multiple league platforms and properties

Support global commercial growth via identifying international expansion opportunities for current partners via upsells and renewals

Develop strategic sales, business and marketing plans for each partner

Demonstrate expertise in the comprehension of contractual elements and understanding of the leagues’ and partners' business goals/target audiences/marketing strategy and knowledge of best practices and industry trends

Build effective working relationships and the ability to gain consensus with NBA internal constituents, partner contacts and agencies.

Oversee budgets for partners including leading the annual budget planning process; requires fluency in our financial reporting and pipeline management system.

Ability to conduct meetings and present information with executive presence and ability to influence key decisions

Use both qualitative and quantitative research to support efforts to further distinguish the benefits of associating with the NBA

Required Skills/Knowledge :

Track record of successfully managing client relations at senior level

Strong relationship management skills both internally and externally (including with senior executives); ability to adapt to various personalities and working styles

Strategic thinker who is able to execute current strategy and identify areas of optimization/opportunity

Strong understanding of sports and entertainment sponsorship, including promotions, events, media and contracts

General understanding of varying cultural nuances across regions

Sharp eye for detail and high level of organization

Strong time-management and multi-tasking skills

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Excellent business writing and presentation skills

Proven ability to lead a team, mentor and train subordinates

Analytical/conceptual abilities and a capacity for creativity/innovation

Must be highly motivated, proactive, self-starter with high energy and team mentality

Enjoys fast paced and challenging work environment

Required Education/Professional Experience:

Minimum of 10 years professional experience in relevant field (partnerships, sponsorships, event activation, brand management) at rights holder, brand or agency

Previous experience directly managing people and/or teams

Undergraduate degree (BA or BS) in Marketing, Business, Communications or related discipline

Salary Range:

N/A

Job Posting Title:

Senior Manager

The NBA does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or any other third parties. Any unsolicited resume sent to the NBA will be considered NBA property, and the NBA will not pay a fee should it hire the subject of any unsolicited resume.

The NBA considers applicants for all positions on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs, and without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, marital status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, 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.

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 NBA

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.