Social Impact Lead - WNBA

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

Position Summary:
The WNBA Social Impact Lead will develop and oversee strategy and planning for the WNBA’s social impact efforts. They will be responsible for leading and managing all impact-related efforts across the WNBA – including those related to teams, players, partners, marquee events, and more. The role will require flexibility, leading with a collaborative spirit and a particularly strong work ethic. Liaising with the NBA Social Responsibility team and all internal WNBA business units will be required for success in the role. This position will be based in the WNBA’s New York office and will include travel.

Major Responsibilities:

• Spearhead creation of and alignment around the WNBA’s Social Impact Vision, along with developing a strategic plan focused on the societal issues the W is uniquely positioned to address.
• Develop opportunities for WNBA teams and players to engage in executing the strategic vision, allowing them to cohesively address societal issues in their markets.
• Lead the planning and strategic evolution of existing social impact platforms, such as the Dawn Staley Leadership Award, WNBA Cares Community Assist Award, WNBA Pride and WNBA Breast Health Awareness.
• Lead the strategic planning and execution of both existing and new social impact programs and activations tied to league marquee events, such as WNBA Draft, WNBA All-Star, Commissioner’s Cup and WNBA Finals.
• Serve as the primary liaison for WNBA teams’ Community Relations/Social Responsibility colleagues, providing opportunities for support, best practice sharing and collaboration.
• Drive marketing partner and licensee conversations tied to social impact opportunities, helping to drive new business and delivery of contractual obligations, ensuring alignment with the WNBA’s Social Impact Vision.
• Proactively research, identify and pitch potential WNBA marketing and licensee partners aligned with WNBA’s impact vision.
• Build and maintain relationships with both potential and existing WNBA community partners.
• Support, and at times lead, the delivery of existing social impact marketing partner benefits.
• Co-lead, with WNBA Partnership Management and Global Partnerships, the execution of WNBA Changemaker platform benefits.
• Lead the strategy, planning and execution of major WNBA Changemaker platforms and events.

Required Education/Professional Experience:

• 4-Year College Degree
• Minimum of 10 years of social impact leadership experience (working in sport and women’s sports preferred)

Required Skills/Knowledge Attributes:

• Ability to design and implement long-term social impact strategies, considering evolving societal issues and trends and the organization’s mission and values
• Strong skills in overseeing multiple initiatives, creating timelines and managing cross-functional teams to ensure that goals are met on time
• Ability to allocate resources effectively, including managing budgets and personnel
• Skill in identifying and driving new social impact business opportunities
• Expertise in planning larger-scale, multi-stakeholder events
• Ability to handle pressure and make good decisions quickly
• Advanced written and oral communications skills
• Excellent project management skills
• Knowledgeable in community programming focused on issues of racial and social justice, inclusion, health and wellness, and gender equity
• Ability to think creatively and communicate clearly, professionally and persuasively (both verbally and in written form)
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent at building and maintaining professional relationships with internal teams, external partners, sponsors and stakeholders to help align and execute initiatives
• Knowledge of the sport’s industry and how it intersects with social impact (preferred, not required)

Salary Range: $155,000 - $165,000

Job Posting Title: Senior Director

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 WNBA
The WNBA is a bold, progressive basketball league that stands for the power of women. Featuring 13 teams, the W is a unique sports property that combines competition and entertainment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion and social responsibility. Through its world-class athletes, the in-game fan experience, TV and digital broadcasts, digital and social content and community outreach programs, the league celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture around it.