Director of Emerging Technology & Innovation

Orlando Magic•Orlando, FL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Emerging Technology & Innovation for the Orlando Magic will drive the adoption and integration of cutting-edge technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other emerging innovations to enhance business performance, streamline operations, and deliver groundbreaking fan experiences. You will lead innovation and technology-focused research and development, manage key initiatives, and foster a culture of innovation throughout the organization. The Director of Emerging Technology & Innovation will act as project manager for the organization’s business-focused A.I. strategy, taking direction from the Sr. Director of Digital Innovation as well as other organizational leaders and working groups. You will manage recurring A.I. Governance and other emerging technology and vendor meetings, including setting agenda, researching and preparing materials, and co-leading meeting execution, strategy implementation, and other action items. Additionally, you will be responsible for leading the Magic’s Innovation Program. This includes oversight of the Magic’s Innovation Lab programming and acting as a facilitator for organizational innovation projects/events, leading staff-wide programs to grow the spirit of innovation, managing relationships with innovation vendors, and providing project management over special innovation-focused projects and initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, business administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred) and seven+ (7+ years) proven experience in technology leadership, innovation management, and project execution within a sports, entertainment, or hospitality environment preferred.
Highly preferable experience either previously as a software developer or experience as a project manager or product owner; someone who is the combination of thinking big picture and get in the weeds with the technical aspect and not just “an idea” person.
Strong supervisory experience required.
Strong understanding of emerging technologies such as AI, VR, machine learning, and data analytics, particularly in their application within sports, entertainment, or hospitality preferred.
Experience with R&D, product development, and the implementation of technology and emerging solutions in business processes.
Passion for basketball, and sports, and an understanding of the NBA’s role in global sports entertainment.
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage high-performing teams.
Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent vendor management and negotiation skills.
Strong understanding of venture capital and investment principles in the technology and sports sectors.
Innovative mindset and passion for exploring the future of sports technology.
Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term vision with practical execution.
Strong communicator, capable of translating complex technological concepts into clear business value propositions.
Collaborative, team-oriented approach with the ability to work cross-functionally with stakeholders at all levels.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends and be on-call as necessary based on the changing priorities of the department.
Proficient in all Microsoft Office products and other related computer skills required.
Ability to meet tight deadlines and work well under pressure.
Strong organizational skills, time management skills and attention to detail required.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with an emphasis on business writing skills.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects.
Ability to work independently without supervision, be self-directed and demonstrate initiative.
Strong team synergy skills and ability to work collaboratively with others whom you have no direct authority over.
Excellent ability to establish rapport with others and ability to build strong interpersonal relationships.
Exhibit good judgment and decision-making skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
experience in a sports, entertainment, or hospitality environment
previously as a software developer
experience as a project manager or product owner
Strong understanding of emerging technologies such as AI, VR, machine learning, and data analytics, particularly in their application within sports, entertainment, or hospitality
Passion for basketball, and sports, and an understanding of the NBA’s role in global sports entertainment.

Responsibilities

Drive organizational adoption of AI solutions/tools and insights through education and engagement while advocating for AI literacy across the organization.
Lead the identification, evaluation, and integration of new technologies (AI, VR, machine learning, blockchain, etc.) to enhance organizational performance across various departments (e.g., operations, marketing, sales, performance analytics, fan engagement).
Lead exploration and implementation with emerging AI and other technologies — including generative AI, computer vision, natural language processing, etc.
Oversee AI and emerging tech proof-of-concepts (POCs) and pilot programs; define metrics for success and help teams scale operationalize results.
Spearhead initiatives that improve fan engagement, and business operations through AI-driven analytics, virtual reality training, and other innovative solutions.
Evaluate new digital technologies (virtual / augmented reality, wearable tech, etc.) and manage the organization’s physical tech library program to help procure, evaluate, and assess the business viability, and comprehensive areas of implementation, for emerging technologies into future business and customer strategies.
Cultivate and promote a culture of creativity and innovation within the organization, encouraging cross-departmental collaboration to explore new technological frontiers.
Facilitate workshops, idea-generation sessions, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to foster innovative thinking at all levels.
Assist in management of various innovation meetings, including developing agendas and presentations/reports
Oversee the R&D process to explore new trends, evaluate potential opportunities, and conduct feasibility studies for emerging technologies.
Lead the testing, prototyping, and implementation of new solutions that improve internal processes and enhance the fan experience.
Work closely with technology partners, universities, and other institutions to stay ahead of emerging tech developments relevant to the sports industry.
Facilitate focus group sessions working with other Magic departments to research fan and client feedback on key business areas.
Lead and manage technology-driven and other innovative projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with organizational goals.
Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets, and ensure projects stay on track, meeting performance objectives and stakeholder expectations.
Manage the Innovation department budget.
Establish and maintain relationships with key innovation vendors, ensuring that Orlando Magic stays at the forefront of innovation and technological advancements.
Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships to maximize value, cost-effectiveness, and technological impact.
Evaluate new potential technology vendors and partners, ensuring alignment with the team’s innovation strategy and goals.
All other duties as assigned.

Benefits

24 days of personal time off per year + 13 holidays (that is 37 paid days off year!) plus reduced summer work hours (every other Friday off during the off-season, which averages to another 8 days)
A hybrid work model
deferred compensation
casual work attire on non-game days
staff tickets to Magic home games
learning and development opportunities
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
company sponsored events
volunteer opportunities & outings for every employee
medical
dental
vision
401(k) with company matching
mental wellness resources
subsidized gym memberships
maternity & paternity leave