Player Development Strategic Initiatives & Operations Manager

WORK OPTION: In-Office 4 days/week in New York, NY

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.

Job Summary

NBA Player Development represents the league’s core investment in ensuring players have access to critical educational resources, support, and opportunities as they navigate their lives as people and professionals on and off the court. Our mission is to build space for player aspirations to thrive with an understanding that basketball is what they do, not who they are.

To support all aspects of this mission, NBA Player Development is looking for an experienced project manager with a passion for operations management and workflow optimization. A successful candidate will have entrepreneurial initiative, a willingness to work hard and think hard, commitment to the team, practical perfectionism, a sense of humor, discipline, and eagerness to chart unfamiliar territory.

The Player Development Strategic Initiatives & Operations Manager will be responsible for the successful delivery of key department initiatives and workstreams, including operations, events, and programs. This position requires a hybrid set of skills in project management, business analysis, and operations management.

Operations

This role will develop and manage Player Development administrative systems and tasks, identifying ideal workflows and tools to support department operations. This includes budget and actual reporting, travel operations, contract and procurement support, and asset management. This role will collaborate with leadership to scale the use of project management technology to support Player Development operations, events, and programs.

Program Execution

Additionally, this role will provide project management, operational and strategic support for Player Development programs throughout the year. The Player Development Program & Operations Manager will assist the program teams in tracking, coordinating, and reporting on progress. Programs include in-person events and digital platforms. The employee will coordinate tentpole Player Development events, supporting the team to identify and track key tasks and deliverables. This role will prepare event project plans, coordinate event and travel logistics, and handle vendors and contractors throughout the planning and execution process.

Major Responsibilities

Responsible for leading and executing on department performance and KPIs that advance Player Development’s focus on impact, engagement, and processPartner with Head of Player Development to spearhead the operations, development, communication and implementation of effective growth strategies and processesDevelop and manage all internal processes and protocols for managing and monitoring business operations and Player Development performance goalsProject manage Player Development event operations to define project plan, strategy, and execution of a successful event from conception to deliveryProvide direction and vision to systems and new technology experiences for our players and teams through the use of new partnershipsResponsible for internal department communication, organization, and technological efficiency including digital platforms and distributionProvide guidance and operational support for Player Development initiatives related to advancing products, innovation, systems and insightsWork with Head of Player Development to handle department finances including tracking expenses and developing budget projections.

Required Education/Professional Experience

Bachelor's degree (Business, Sports Management, or related field)2+ years of experience in strategy and project management. Prior experience in consulting and/or a professional sports team or league is a plusHands-on experience in operations, business insights, executive staff office, management consulting, start-ups, or related fieldProficiency in using work management tools (MS Project, Jira, Smartsheet, etc.)Knowledge of industry-standard deliverables (roadmaps, timelines, Gantt charts) and methodologies (waterfall, lean, agile, scrum, kanban)Proven track record to execute on change management initiatives, including internal or external transformation projectsExperience working with ambiguity and a dynamic business landscape!

Required Skills/Knowledge Attributes

Self-starter with exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to communicate with a non-technical audience and deal effectively with senior management in a confidential mannerProject management and analytical skills, capable of driving recommendations and decisions rooted in qualitative and quantitative dataManage resource allocations, forecasts, reports, and presentations to senior management.Strong organizational and time management skillsAble to clearly and succinctly synthesize and communicate ideas orally, in writing, and through visual presentationsA passion for sports and technology with in-depth knowledge of diverse business functions and principlesEnhance and maintain strong cross-functional working relationships with both internal and external clientsConfident individual, able to work in a fast-paced environment!Excellent stakeholder management, leadership skills, and ability to drive results

Salary Range: $100,000 - $120,000

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.