ABOUT THE NBPA

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to protect and support the rights and talents of our players, magnify the power of their collective will, and amplify their voices as leaders who will transcend sport and society globally.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including by, among other things, negotiating the collective bargaining agreement, administering benefit programs and grievances on their behalf, enhancing their NBA experience, and helping prepare them for life after the NBA. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the for-profit subsidiary of the NBPA charged with managing the players’ group licensing rights. For more information, visit THINK450.com.

THINK450 is the innovation and partnership engine of the NBPA, dedicated to uncovering shared interests between the 450 players and leading brands to build more engaging partnerships. Together with its partners, THINK450 creates original ideas that engage fans, stir them to action, and earn brands the right to participate in cultural conversations.

ROLE: The VP, Partnership Sales will play a key role in business development initiatives in-line with the overall company strategy including the sales of Group Licensing (off the court also known as 23:12) rights to third parties, THINK450/NBPA branded special events and activations including but not limited to 450 Gives, The Sanctuary, NBPA Post Up podcast, One Court at and other events during Summer League, International activations, and branded content campaigns. Duties include prospecting, pitching activations that involve multiple departments, and negotiating complex contracts.

LOCATION:  New York, New York

SALARY: $150K with a competitive commission structure

DEPARTMENT:  Partnerships

MANAGER: Chief Commercial Officer

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:  

• Serve as a key revenue generating member of the THINK450 team providing innovative and critical thinking to drive the THINK450 partnership business.
• Execute all business development functions worldwide including prospecting, pitching, and negotiating. Must also develop and maintain a weekly/monthly status report and “scoreboard” of deals and prospects to present/distribute to THINK450 senior management team.
• Proactively communicate with THINK450 Player Partnerships department to ensure that players, agents, and brands are connected and in-line with all new business opportunities.
• Meet with potential clients to present partnership proposals and educate prospects on THINK450’s assets and capabilities.  Partner with the Partnerships and Purpose team to manage account activations and promotional plans for sold thru proposals, as needed. Lead CRM efforts to maintain strong relationships with existing clients to increase renewals and upsells.
• Network & collaborate with stakeholders across THINK450, NBPA, Players, external brand partners, media partners, etc. to support priority projects and ensure everyone’s focus remains on the mission of being players first.
• Partner with Chief Commercial Officer and SVP, Partnership and Purpose to develop insights-driven revenue-generating, business development strategy with a heavy focus on driving value for the players across the key pillars of: Original I.P. and Experiences; Group Licensing 23:12; and Brand Collaborations
• Manage budget and other resources for maximum efficiency. 
• Serve as a point person to all new business development and sponsorship agencies.  In addition, engage cross-functional teams internally to cultivate new business strategies and executions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business or related fields, Master’s degree a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in entertainment/sports business development and sponsorship sales.
• Ability to properly navigate complex contractual negotiations and work with legal counsel as required
• Ability to articulate informed point of view and influence across the organization. 
• Excellent communication skills with all levels of executives, management, and staff - in person, on the phone and in writing.
• Must have ability to develop and maintain relationships with a focus on closing deals.
• Entrepreneurial spirit - will take sales initiative with new projects.
• Ability to create and sell memorable and disruptive brand experiences and activations that align with the interests and passions of NBPA members.
• Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple work streams and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong problem solving, relationship building, and negotiation skills.
• Positive attitude and flexible approach in dealing with adversity and conflict.
• Extremely motivated and collaborative person with strong business acumen.
• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office Application. Adobe InDesign presentation skills would be a plus.

APPLICATION: Please email your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to hr@nbpa.com.  Please indicate “VP, Partnership Sales” in the subject line of your email.  No telephone or LinkedIn inquiries please.  THINK450 will respond to those candidates whose qualifications are best aligned with the components of this job description and will continue to review resumes until the position is filled.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. THINK450 offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid leave, medical, dental, and vision insurance and a 401(k) plan with matching employer contributions.

THINK450 is an equal employment opportunity employer.  THINK450 will consider all qualified applicants with no regard to the applicant’s race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, weight, disability, or any other status protected by New York or Federal anti-discrimination law.

ABOUT NBPA:

The National Basketball Players Association is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to protect and support the rights and talents of our players, magnify the power of their collective will, and amplify their voices as leaders who will transcend sport and society globally.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, or counseling players on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the for-profit subsidiary of the NBPA charged with managing the players’ group licensing rights.

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members, the NBPA Foundation provides support and assistance to persons, communities, and organizations around the world that seek to improve the lives of those in need. 

POSITION: Chief Brand and Communications Officer 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief Brand and Communications Officer will lead the strategic direction for brand, creative, and communications across NBPA, THINK450, and NBPA Foundation (collectively the “NBPA”) to ensure the entire organization is adhering to the mission, vision, and values of the NBPA brand. This role will define the NBPA brand to create and embed a cohesive, consistent, and authentic brand messaging across all business functions including the Executive Office, player engagement, international, experiences, and revenue-generating commercial departments. The Chief Brand and Communications Officer serves as the primary brand steward responsible for building and strengthening the NBPA brand and communications strategy for short and long-term brand management and growth. This role will create processes and set metrics for measurement on how internal and external audiences experience the NBPA brand to identify areas of improvement and development.   

The Chief Brand and Communications Officer will play a multi-faceted role as a key stakeholder on the leadership team ensuring all business unit decisions are in line with the overarching strategy and brand value is created and cultivated in all messaging, experiences, and activations. 

LOCATION:  New York, New York

SALARY RANGE: $375,000 - $420,000

DEPARTMENT:  Brand and Communications

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Executive Director

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:  

This is a key role in supporting NBPA, THINK450, and NBPA Foundation’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities. 

• Serve as brand steward and integral member of the leadership team providing clear brand vision and strategy for the NBPA working across the organization for brand unity. 

• Head all creative, communications, and content teams to develop and maintain NBPA brand, messaging, content, and purpose guidelines.

• Ideation, creation, management, and execution of all things brand inclusive of brand identity, creative, communications, experiences, branded merchandise, and content. 

• Develop brand management strategy and architecture, with specific delineation between audiences (Players & Fans vs. Commercial Marketplace) 

• Lead creative direction across NBPA brand-building partnerships, collaboration, and strategic opportunities that align with the NBPA mission.

• Develop and implement short- and long-term strategic plans for NBPA, including goals and KPIs for brand, communications, content, player engagement, and player experiences.

• Actively seek out potential new partners for cross-marketing and distribution; manage brand-building relationships with current and future partners.

• Maintain external relationships with production and creative agencies, media, social media platforms, content studios, and brand partners.

• Strengthen and further develop relationships with players, agents, college officials, team/league personnel, licensees, major sports & entertainment brands, and future of basketball stakeholders to build NBPA brand credibility.

• Keep a finger on the pulse of basketball culture and drive NBPA to the forefront. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree a plus 

• 15+ years’ experience in leading brand strategy, communications, and/or brand experiences

• Track record of measurable successes in a senior brand strategy role

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and function in a fast-paced environment

• Proven leadership and delegation through strategic thinking and excellence in execution

• Superior decision-making skills with the ability to translate into an executable strategic plan

• Extremely motivated person with strong business acumen who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment

• Budget financial management

• Strong organization, written, and oral communication skills 

• Vendor, agency, freelancer, and consultant management

• Travel: <50%

APPLICATION: Please email your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to hr@nbpa.com.  Please indicate “Chief Brand and Communications Officer” in the subject line of your email.  No telephone or LinkedIn inquiries please.  NBPA will respond to those candidates whose qualifications are best aligned with the components of this job description and will continue to review resumes until the position is filled. 

Salary will be commensurate with experience. NBPA offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid leave, medical, dental, and vision insurance and a 401(k) plan with matching employer contributions. 

NBPA is an equal employment opportunity employer.  NBPA will consider all qualified applicants with no regard to the applicant’s race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, weight, disability, or any other status protected by New York or Federal anti-discrimination law.

ABOUT THE NBPA

The National Basketball Players Association is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to protect and support the rights and talents of our players, magnify the power of their collective will, and amplify their voices as leaders who will transcend sport and society globally.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including by, among other things, negotiating the collective bargaining agreement, administering benefit programs and grievances on their behalf, enhancing their NBA experience, and helping prepare them for life after the NBA. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the for-profit subsidiary of the NBPA charged with managing the players’ group licensing rights. For more information, visit NBPA.com.

ROLE: Staff Accountant

DESCRIPTION: The Staff Accountant is responsible for assisting with all accounting operations within the organization. This includes maintaining account balances, preparing financial statements, general ledger, and financial reporting. The Staff Accountant will collaborate and work closely with team members at all levels throughout the organization.

LOCATION: New York, New York

DEPARTMENT: Finance

MANAGERS:  Assistant Controller

SALARY: $70,000 - $80,000

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist in month-end/year-end close processes and general ledger management.

Prepare journal entries and monthly reconciliations ensuring transactions are recorded in accordance with US GAAP.

Provide support to the Finance Manager for accounts receivable.

Facilitate preparation of consolidated monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with US GAAP.

Assist managers with analyzing financial results and performing variance analysis.

Periodic reconciliation of balance sheet accounts.

Maintain policies and process documents. Ensuring compliance with company accounting procedures and internal processes.

Contribute to development of procedures to improve efficiency including automation.

Assist in gathering and preparing financial documentation for managers.

Assist with preparing and gathering documentation for audits and tax filings.

Maintain account balances including reconciling, researching, and resolving all discrepancies.

Provide support to management as needed, including ad-hoc financial analysis, and special projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

1-2 years of previous experience as an accountant or auditor of public companies

Excellent computer skills; Microsoft Excel (Advanced)

Exceptional knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Advanced knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting best practices, laws, standards, and state/national regulations

Ability to take initiative and operate independently, meeting required deadlines.

Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred.

Intermediate to Advanced Proficiency with Sage Intacct accounting software a plus.

Strong project management and process improvement skills.

Proven ability to work in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment and to lead and drive complex initiatives.

APPLICATION:  Please email your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to hr@nbpa.com.  Please indicate "STAFF ACCOUNTANT" in the subject line of your email.  No telephone inquiries please.  The NBPA will respond to those candidates whose qualifications are best aligned with the components of this job description and will continue to review resumes until the position is filled.

Salary will be commensurate with experience.  The NBPA offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid leave, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan with matching employer contributions.

The NBPA is an equal employment opportunity employer.  The NBPA will consider all qualified applicants with no regard to the applicant’s race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, weight, disability, or any other status protected by New York or Federal anti-discrimination law.

ABOUT THE NBPA & THINK450

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to protect and support the rights and talents of our players, magnify the power of their collective will, and amplify their voices as leaders who will transcend sport and society globally.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including by, among other things, negotiating the collective bargaining agreement, administering benefit programs and grievances on their behalf, enhancing their NBA experience, and helping prepare them for life after the NBA. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the for-profit subsidiary of the NBPA charged with managing the players’ group licensing rights. For more information, visit THINK450.com.

THINK450 is the innovation and partnership engine of the NBPA, dedicated to uncovering shared interests between the 450 players and leading brands to build more engaging partnerships. Together with its partners, THINK450 creates original ideas that engage fans, stir them to action, and earn brands the right to participate in cultural conversations.

ROLE:  Executive Assistant

DESCRIPTION: The Executive Assistant completes a broad variety of administrative tasks and coordination of operational functions for the President including, managing an extremely active calendar of appointments, complete expense reports, composing and preparing confidential correspondence, arranging complex and detailed travel logistics, itineraries and agendas.

LOCATION: New York City, NY

DEPARTMENT: President’s Office

REPORTS TO: President, THINK450

SALARY RANGE: $90,000 - $110,000

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:  

• Manage, prioritize, and coordinate the President’s calendar and day-to-day events, such as ensuring all meetings, engagements, and conference calls are timely and accurately scheduled
• Proactively assist the President with balancing multiple priorities and competing demands
• Acting as the point person/gatekeeper responding to correspondences (physical and directing calls)
• Maintain comprehensive/accurate records, diligent notes from meetings, building action items and follow-ups as required; dissemination of meeting materials
• Manage sensitive information with the utmost discretion and confidentiality
• Conduct player, market, and brands research and analyze trends
• Coordinate with creative team on various special projects
• Prepare draft presentation
• Assist in organizing Board communications and meetings
• Prepare and process Concur expense reports
• Coordinate travel logistics and prepare travel itineraries both domestic and internationally
• Facilitate other administrative functions: meeting catering requests, shipment logistics
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree preferred

• 5+ years of relevant experience within related industries
• Knowledgeable of industry trends or related industry experience: Sports, Music, Entertainment, Marketing, Public Relations, Fashion, or Technology
• Proactive approach and anticipates needs of the President
• Handle confidential matters appropriately and with discretion
• Comfortability speaking with high level executives, athletes, VIPs, etc.

APPLICATION: Please email your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to hr@nbpa.com.  Please indicate “Executive Assistant” in the subject line of your email.  No telephone or LinkedIn inquiries please.  THINK450 will respond to those candidates whose qualifications are best aligned with the components of this job description and will continue to review resumes until the position is filled.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. THINK450 offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid leave, medical, dental, and vision insurance and a 401(k) plan with matching employer contributions.

THINK450 is an equal employment opportunity employer.  THINK450 will consider all qualified applicants with no regard to the applicant’s race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, weight, disability, or any other status protected by New York or Federal anti-discrimination law.