Head of League Production - BAL

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Position Summary

The Head of League Production is responsible for the seamless execution of the Basketball Africa League. This position will manage Basketball Africa League operations, including all planning, coordination, and execution. This includes overseeing a variety of functional areas, including Ticketing/Game Experience, Travel/Hospitality, Venue Operations, Logistics, and Transportation. This role will serve as the primary project manager for the BAL and is responsible for all aspects of planning and execution tied to the League. This position reports to the President, Basketball Africa League and will oversee a direct team of 5-10 full-time staff members and potentially additional resources and staff during the season.

Major Responsibilities

• Functional Oversight of:
  • Ticketing/Game Experience: Oversee ticketing and game experience verticals, including defining and implementing ticketing strategy and designing and implementing an engaging game-day experience for attendees.
  • Travel/Hospitality: Oversee all travel programs for BAL guests and create hospitality programs that generate a high-quality fan experience.
  • Venue Operations: Manage all venue operations duties from setup to breakdown while ensuring compliance with local regulatory standards and league protocols.
  • Logistics: Partner cross-functionally to plan and execute all logistical requirements.
  • Transportation: Partner with transportation providers to ensure best in class transportation program for guests and other stakeholders.
• Budget and Resource Management: Manage project budget, including cost estimation and financial reporting for entire BAL production. Identify, allocate and manage resources, including staff, vendors, and other partners/stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of BAL.
• Team Management & Leadership: Oversee, lead, and manage staff (direct and in-direct reports) across various verticals. Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure success in meeting operational objectives. Represent BAL at the executive level to support business operations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other senior executives and vertical leads within NBA Africa and BAL to align operational activities with the team's goals. Foster a collaborative and cross-functional approach to ensure seamless execution of initiatives and projects. Collaborate closely with the President, BAL, CEO, NBA Africa, and other senior leadership team members on overall strategy and key decision making.
• Continuous Operational Improvement: Evaluate and improve operational processes and procedures to drive excellence within the League Production space. Implement best practices, streamline workflows, and leverage data-driven insights to enhance operational effectiveness and drive constant improvement. Streamline and optimize operational processes and workflows to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall business performance.
• Project Oversight: Oversee project execution to ensure adherence to plans and quality standards. Track project progress and performance using appropriate tools and techniques. Facilitate and conduct regular meetings and touch points with stakeholders.

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Expertise in building and iterating on efficient operational processes and protocols based on a core set of metrics.
• Expertise leading multi-faceted, cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience building and implementing new polices, practices, and processes.
• Demonstrated aptitude for making difficult decisions in complex, changing situations.
• Track record of leading and communicating with influence to achieve goals.
• Ability to successfully manage and develop high-performing talent.
• High EQ, collaboration orientation, deep focus on efficiency, and commitment operational excellence.
• Excellent strategic thinking and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and people skills.
• Proficient in fiscal management and budgeting.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Best in class analytical skills and a data-driven mindset.
• Inspirational leadership style and hands-on approach.

Experience Needed

• At least 10 years in diversified leadership roles.
• At least 10 years of management experience; leading large scale multidisciplined teams.
• Experience working cross-functionally in a highly matrixed, global organization.
• Extensive experience leading operational functions in Africa.
• Experience working with and presenting to a board environment.
• Proven experience in operational leadership roles, preferably within the sports, entertainment and/or events industry.
• Considerable experience working on cross-functional projects with multiple partners.

Educational Background

• Bachelor's in business administration or relevant field.
• Master's degree preferred.

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About the BAL
The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the NBA, is a new professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa.  The BAL, which is headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Regional Office Africa has organized in Africa and marks the NBA's first collaboration to operate a league outside North America.