Hospitality & Events Lead

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.

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, including having received a booster when eligible. The NBA will discuss accommodations for individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.

Position Summary:

The incumbent will be an event professional who will assist with the development and execution of global League events targeted toward key internal/external stakeholders.

This role will have a strong focus on VIP hospitality (social functions and meetings), in a high-energy, deadline and results driven department dedicated to supporting the NBA's core internal business strategy (to include events for NBA, WNBA, USAB, Marketing Partners, and G-League).

Major Responsibility:

Responsible for planning and executing global League VIP events of all scale, from intimate high-end dinners and receptions to large-scale parties and meetings.

• Budget development and reconciliation of invoices and payments
• Contract negotiation and execution
• Management of internal/external staff and vendors in the planning and execution of social functions and meetings
• Staffing plans and vendor research and selection
• Venue research and selection
• Creation of floor plans
• Creative ideation, design and installation of décor plans and event branding
• Menu planning
• Event profiles and recaps
• Hotel sleeping room and meeting space management (virtual and in person)
• Managing VIP participants and guest coordination for high-level meetings and social functions which may include oversight of invitation processes (mobile invites, website management, etc.)
• Manage VIP Services & Guest Programs
• Timeline management
• Transportation management
• Liaise with NBA departments including Content, Events, Global Partnerships & Media, Social Responsibility, Player/Talent Relations, Team Marketing & Business Operations, International Group, Basketball Operations, Creative Services, Legal, Security, IT and Finance to develop and execute global VIP social events, meetings and League events
• Build rapport and facilitate cross-functional collaboration with internal and external entities

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• 8 years of event planning experience (high-end catering/hotel/hospitality background preferred)
• Ability to lead a team of internal staff and outside vendors, assign and delegate efficiently
• Strong executive presence, experience working with VIP clients
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Extremely detail-oriented, with strong organizational, multi-tasking, decision-making and problem-solving skills (solutions oriented)
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced and deadline driven environment
• Self-starter while being a team player with ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Determination and flexibility to overcome challenges to ensure events are successful
• Keeps current on latest trends regarding restaurants, venues, food, vendors, event décor, etc.
• Ability to write and cost out menus
• Knowledge of food, labor and service (how it's secured, how staff are hired and how events are executed)
• Knowledge of both front of house and back of house operations
• Proficient in communication, productivity and events management software
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally; approximately 50% travel

Education: Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management preferred

We Consider Applicants For All Positions On The Basis Of Merit, Qualifications And Business Needs, And Without Regard To Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Gender Identity, Age, Disability, Alienage Or Citizenship Status, Ancestry, Marital Status, Creed, Genetic Predisposition Or Carrier Status, Sexual Orientation, 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.