WNBA Player Development Director

National Basketball Association (NBA)•New York, NY

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Player Development Director will be a vital contributor to the WNBA League Operations Department, which encompasses Basketball Operations (on-court activities), Player Development (player appearances and programs), Basketball Administration (compliance and governance) and other specific league led initiatives. This position, reporting to the Head of League Operations, requires a candidate with effective project management skills, the ability to set and execute strategic initiatives, a track record of building relationships with players, and an aptitude for navigating across the women’s basketball ecosystem. About the WNBA The WNBA is a bold, progressive basketball league that stands for the power of women. Featuring 15 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. At the NBA, we're passionate about growing and celebrating the game of basketball. Through the intensity of the game and the amazing athletic skill of our players, we deliver excitement to hundreds of millions of fans around the world. As a global sports and media business, the NBA is so much more. While Basketball Operations runs the league's on-court activities, other departments manage relationships with television and digital media partners, develop marketing partnerships with some of the world's most recognizable companies, oversee the licensing of NBA merchandise, and handle a wide range of responsibilities that drive the NBA's success. Off the court, we're also deeply committed to social responsibility. NBA Cares leads the league's involvement in addressing important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.

Requirements

Former playing experience in the WNBA
5+ years of sports industry experience, with team experience preferred
Advanced problem-solving skills
Ability to effectively communicate both verbally, in presentation form, and in writing
Experience in a client service role a plus
Strong interpersonal, networking and influencing skills (existing connections with current/former players preferred)
Proven track record of working closely with senior executives
Strategic-thinker, action-oriented, solutions-oriented, and self-motivated
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive with strong project management skills
Position based in the WNBA’s New York office

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree a plus

Responsibilities

Create measures to advance player engagement, developing tailored support for players at various stages of their playing careers.
Lead key initiatives related to player experience, including wellness resources, continuing education, and post-career transition support.
Assist with the development of player programs and policies.
Foster relationships with current players to ensure that league initiatives meet their on- and off-court needs.
Oversee the strategy, planning and execution of the league’s player experience objectives, including partnering cross-functionally and with external stakeholders to help optimize player career journeys.
Help supervise player logistics for marquee league events, including the WNBA Draft and WNBA All-Star.
Gather and apply player experience insights from across the sports industry and liaise with external women’s basketball entities.
Work collaboratively with and serve as a key point of contact for WNBA agents.
Develop and manage relationships with team basketball staff and manage player-related team inquiries.
Build former player focused programs and resources and serve as the key point of contact for WNBA alumni.