Project, PR & Communications Management - Europe & Middle East

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

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Position Summary 

This is a 12 month project role. This position will be responsible for developing and executing strategic communications plans to support and accelerate the growth of the NBA, WNBA, and 2K League's presence and businessobjectivesacross Europe and the Middle East. This role focuses on leadingand developingstrategic communications and execution for new and renewed partnerships including Content and Media Distribution, Marketing, Licensing, Retail and Consumer Products, with an emphasis on generating positive media coverage to increase visibility and elevate the leagues’ brands in the region. 

TheSenior Managerwill alsosupportlead Corporate Communications processes includingidentifyingand securing high-profile executive speaking engagements and league and executive awards that willdemonstratethe league as a leader in innovation and a valuable property for prospective partners. In addition, this role will work closely with internal teams and external partners to craft and execute media strategies for key NBA events, partnerships, and community initiatives.

Major Responsibilities 

• Develop and execute communications strategies for the NBA’s key partnerships, including Marketing, Licensing, Retail (NBA Stores), and Consumer Products. Responsibilities include developing press materials and executive messaging, overseeing announcements and events and conducting proactive outreach to drive brand awareness and media engagement 

• Act as the primary communications point of contact for a portfolio of major NBA partners.

• Generate and deliverculture-first storytellingand mediarelations strategies thatbuild theawarenessof the NBA brands,businessannouncementsandfan first experiencesoutside of traditional sports media. 

• Supportand delivermedia strategy for high-profile NBA events in the region, including NBA Global Games in EME, and global tentpole events, including Emirates NBA Cup, NBA on Christmas Day, NBAAll-Starand NBA Finals. Focus on securing media coverage to boost awareness, drive ticket sales, and enhance viewer engagement, with a strong emphasis on local and regional PR efforts.

• Set and execute the communications strategy for all activities in the Middle East.

• Coordinatethought leadership andaward submissions for NBA business initiatives that highlight the NBA’s impact and leadership in the region.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align communicationobjectivesand campaigns with regional goals and broader league priorities.

• Serve asa keyPRagency liaison.

• Draft key messages, Q&As, press releases, mediapitchesand executive briefing documents. Ensure consistency in messaging across all initiatives.

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.Proficiencyinadditionallanguages is a plus.

• Ability toanticipatepotential challenges andidentifyopportunities to promote and protect the NBA brandin a complex, dynamic media environment.

• Strong strategic thinking skills to translate business goals into actionable communications plans.

• Existing mediarelationships withtop-tier media outlets and journalists across the region. Familiarity with the media landscape in Europeisessentialand the Middle East is a plus.

• Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with internal teams, external partners, and senior leadership.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously whilemaintaininghigh standardsof quality. Skilled at managing timelines and meeting tight deadlines.

• Deep understanding and passion for the NBA and basketball, with a background in sports communications preferred.

• A proactive, self-starter who takes initiative and works with minimal supervision to driveresults.

Experience Needed

• Minimum7years of PR experience in sports communications, media relations, or public relations, with a focus on global partnershipsoreventcommunications.

• Proven experience in developing and executing strategic communications plans that drive business results.

• Experience working in a multinational or regional role, with a strong understanding of media trends,landscapeand best practices.

• Strong knowledge of and experience insports and culturalmedia relations, crisis communications, and reputation managementa plus.

Educational Background Required 

• Bachelor’s degree in PR, Communications,Journalismor related disciplinerequired.

Salary Range:

N/A

Job Posting Title:

Project

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.