Venue Project Management and Planning

Position Summary:

This position plays a critical role in overseeing the planning, development, and operational readiness of NBA venues across the league. This role is responsible for monitoring the progress of new and renovated arena projects, ensuring compliance with NBA Arena Standards, and supporting the execution of major NBA events. The ideal candidate will work closely with internal departments and external stakeholders including architects, engineers, and facility managers to ensure that all NBA venues meet the league’s strategic, operational, and environmental goals. This role also contributes to the evaluation of domestic and international venues for special events and supports the implementation of innovative venue initiatives.

Major Responsibilities:

• Monitor NBA venue project progress and deliverables while providing oversight on new and renovated arenas. Participate in meetings and author and maintain reports and notes. Work with key external stakeholders including architects, engineers, owner representatives, construction management companies and consultants.
• Participate in the review of proposed venue drawings related to the NBA Arena Standards, advise on solutions, and conduct on-site surveys, as needed. Monitor project concerning schedule and procedures and implement actions necessary to maintain or improve, as possible.
• Actively contribute and assist with the determination of the viability of facilities - both domestic and international – in order to establish eligibility to host non-traditional neutral site games and NBA Global Games, as well as consult on best practices and efficiencies for other NBA affiliate league Venues, including the WNBA and GLeauge.
• Advance and implement NBA Venue initiatives including, but not limited to; the NBA Arena Standards, the Venue Environmental Support System, NBA Arena Database and operational site surveys as well as near-term and long-term arena guidelines impacting all NBA games and events, including policies and procedures regarding critical building systems and game-time preparedness.
• Develop processes and establish a protocol in coordination with arena general managers and facility management representatives to ensure NBA venues are in compliance with strategic operational and development guidelines as well as maintain validated methodology and concise quantitative data collection and analysis for arena operations matters.
• Work cross-departmentally to understand the day-to-day goals of each key discipline.
• Research, analyze and monitor trends and advancements in the industry to improve and progress venue and operational strategies and implement new initiatives.
• As needed, serve as an on-site facilities representative for marquee NBA events including All Star Weekend, NBA Finals and NBA Global Games providing event support, venue expertise and internal/external coordination to ensure that venues adhere to NBA facility requirements.

Required Education/Professional Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sports Management, Facility Management, or a related field
• 6+ years of experience in venue operations, construction project management, or facilities development, preferably within the sports or entertainment industry.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders on large-scale venue projects.

Required Skills/Knowledge Attributes:

• Strong understanding of architectural and engineering drawings, construction processes, and building systems.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in data collection and operational analysis.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with project management software and CAD tools is a plus.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed, including availability for extended stays during major events.

Salary Range: $175,000 - $185,000

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 NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2021-22 season featured a record 121 international players from 40 countries. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 2.1 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.