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 advance the rights of our players. They are the game.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including through the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, and counseling players on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the group licensing and partnership engine of the NBPA. With more than 80 active partnerships, THINK450 is dedicated to uncovering shared interests between players and leading brands to build more engaging collaborations.

The NBPA Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members by supporting and assisting people, communities and organizations worldwide. It spotlights and amplifies the global initiatives of professional basketball players, driving positive change through community building, charitable endeavors and social entrepreneurship.

For more information, visit www.nbpa.com and follow @thenbpa on social.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is looking for a dynamic and strategic Director of Communications to lead and execute comprehensive communication strategies for the NBPA’s initiatives This role is responsible for enhancing the NBPA's brand, promoting its activations, and providing expert communication support to its members and leadership. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the sports and business media landscape, with a proven ability to innovate and drive engagement using storytelling across traditional and "new media" platforms.

LOCATION: New York, NY

DEPARTMENT: Communications

REPORTS TO:  VP, Communications

SALARY RANGE: $150k - 200K

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Develop and implement overarching communication strategies for the NBPA’s player experience, basketball operation, NBPA Foundation, Think 450, and player communications services.
• Create and distribute media materials, including press releases, statements, and fact sheets. Maintain relationships with sports and business media, with a specific focus on leveraging "new media" to increase member engagement and public awareness.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to lead media promotion for key NBPA player activations and initiatives, including at NBA All-Star, NBA Cup, Summer League, among others.
• Develop a corporate communication strategy to secure high-visibility opportunity for NBPA executives. Prepare executives and player leadership for speaking engagements and media interviews, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging.
• Provide support for crisis communications and rapid response scenarios involving the NBPA and NBA players, protecting their reputations and managing public perception.
• Work closely with the Executive Committee to identify and capitalize on opportunities to share compelling stories about the NBPA's achievements and goals.
• Lead public relations planning and execution for player-facing events, appearances, and other initiatives involving NBPA members
• Maintain and further develop relationships with players, agents, player managers, college officials, team/league personnel, and future basketball stakeholders to build NBPA brand credibility.
• Develop and maintain brand voice and integrity across all communications, content, and experiences – both internal and external.
• Contribute to the strategic management of the paid media budget, identifying opportunities to amplify content and marketing messages across social and digital advertising platforms.
• Manages social media and Brand Marketing manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communication, business, or related field.
• 7-10 years of experience from a league, team, brand, or agency.
• Proven experience in a senior communications role, preferably within the sports or entertainment industry.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in media relations, strategic communications, and crisis management.
• Strong understanding of both traditional and digital media landscapes, with deep media connections
• Experience in preparing executives and high-profile individuals for public speaking and interviews.
• A passion for basketball and a commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of professional athletes.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and a deep knowledge of the media industry and digital touchpoints.

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.

TO APPLY: PLEASE CLICK HERE

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 advance the rights of our players. They are the game.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including through the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, and counseling players on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the group licensing and partnership engine of the NBPA. With more than 80 active partnerships, THINK450 is dedicated to uncovering shared interests between players and leading brands to build more engaging collaborations.

The NBPA Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members by supporting and assisting people, communities and organizations worldwide. It spotlights and amplifies the global initiatives of professional basketball players, driving positive change through community building, charitable endeavors and social entrepreneurship.

For more information, visit www.nbpa.com and follow @thenbpa on social.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Social Media and Brand Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing strategies and managing all content creation for the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). This role will focus on brand alignment across the organization, managing all creative service’s needs. Additionally, they will be responsible for elevating the NBPA's digital and social media presence, including on platforms like YouTube, X, Instagram, Bluesky, and TikTok. The manager will provide strategic guidance on content creation and posting to ensure alignment with brand messaging and broader marketing objectives.

LOCATION: New York, NY

DEPARTMENT: Communications

REPORTS TO:  Director, Communications

SALARY RANGE: $100k – 120k

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Lead the strategic development and execution of social media marketing campaigns to ensure content resonates with NBPA members and Think 450 partners, overseeing both organic and paid social content strategies.
• Provide editorial oversight and strategic guidance on content creation and posting to align with marketing objectives and brand messaging.
• Manage all digital assets, including current and archival photos and videos, and utilize technology to organize these assets.
• Manage the creative services agency and all photo and video vendors to ensure the production of high-quality, on-brand assets for various marketing platforms.
• Oversee multiple marketing and content initiatives simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project scopes and budgets.
• Manage all agencies and third-party vendors, contribute to budget management for paid media, and ensure brand consistency across all consumer-facing touchpoints.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as marketing, communications, or business.
• 3-5 years of experience in a related field
• Experience with project management in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to prioritize and work under tight deadlines.
• Deep knowledge of the basketball landscape and key personnel across the NBA, teams, sneaker brands, and agencies.
• Experience managing digital content.
• Thorough understanding of branding for the media industry and digital touchpoints.
• Strong relationships in the agency, production, and creative space.
• Advanced knowledge of earned, owned, and paid media platforms.

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.

TO APPLY: PLEASE CLICK HERE