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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 [email protected]. 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.
