National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Looking for Chief Brand and Communication Officer at New York City Metropolitan Area Full Time

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-pace 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 thrive 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 [email protected].  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.