WNBA Player Development Director

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Position Summary:
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. 

Major 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.

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• 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

Educational Background Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree a plus
   

Salary Range:

$125,000 - $150,000

Job Posting Title:

Employees currently are eligible to receive an annual discretionary performance bonus, awarded at the sole discretion of the Company and subject to any terms and conditions set by the Company. Employees and/or eligible dependents may be eligible to participate in the following Company-sponsored employee benefit programs: medical; dental; vision; life/AD&D insurance; short- and long-term disability; fertility and family-forming assistance; wellbeing allowance; educational assistance; mental health coaching/therapy; tax advantaged accounts such as HSA and healthcare/dependent care FSAs; a 401(k) retirement plan; and time off benefits that include vacation, sick time, and personal days.

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 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.