WORK OPTION: The NBA currently provides eligible employees the option of working remotely one day per week.

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Position Summary

The Referee Live Communications & Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing the initial launch and day-to-day operations of the NBA’s new live, in-game communications initiative, which is a core foundational element for the NBA’s automated officiated goals. Working in close partnership with the NBA Replay Center, the National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA), external vendors, and other NBA stakeholders, this role will be critical to the successful launch and efficient operation of this initiative. In addition, this position will assist in advancing Referee Operations’ broader innovation agenda and other operational priorities.

Major Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day administration of the Referee Live Communications Initiative, ensuring the availability and functionality of all hardware (earpieces, cables, connectors, belt packs, clips, etc.), outfitting, and all other equipment essential to game day operations.
Ensure smooth coordination and information sharing between internal stakeholders across different shifts (Ref Ops, Replay, BB Ops, BSG, Engineering, Broadcast, Legal, IT, game participants) by managing stakeholder relationships and facilitating clear communication on day-to-day business operations.
Partner with the Replay Center, as well as engineers and vendors to ensure appropriate scheduling and availability of in-arena coverage, Replay Center support, training, and other essential onboarding and operational processes.
Partner with the Replay Center, Head of Referee Development & Training, the NBRA and other experts in League Operations to facilitate the development and regular updating of communication protocols for when and how to utilize the live communications technology.
Prevent and mitigate game day interruptions by identifying operational risks and implementing robust inventory, tracking, and contingency protocols for the Referee Live Communications Initiative.
In close coordination with the Replay Center’s Referee Live Communications, serve as a primary point of contact during standard business hours for League Operations Staff, NBA officials, engineers, vendors, in-arena staff, and other external partners for any operational issues or questions related to the Live Communications Project.
Partner with colleagues in League Operations and Referee Operations to track, report, and make recommendations on critical elements of the Live Communications Project, including in-game usage metrics and trends, implications for playing rules, user feedback, performance issues, and other matters.
Coordinate with Basketball Strategy & Growth, other NBA stakeholders, vendors and external partners to operationalize future innovation and technology initiatives on the Automated Officiating roadmap.
Complete other administrative and operational tasks as assigned.

Required Skills / Knowledge / Commitment

Strong project management skills and a demonstrated record of managing multiple on-going initiatives.
Strong communication, multitasking, and listening skills, with an ability to discover and combine multiple sources of information to subsequently execute
Must exercise good judgement and be able to maintain confidentiality with sensitive events and projects
Proven self-management, problem identification, and solution development skills.
Excellent verbal, written, presentation, organization, and interpersonal skills.
Detail-oriented, organized, able to work autonomously
Ability to interact with and influence personnel across all levels of internal and external organizations.
Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and Project Management Tools (Trello, Slack).
Willingness to travel, both domestically and internationally
Ability to work nights and weekends as required

Required Professional Experience / Education

Bachelor’s Degree required
Minimum of 6 years’ experience managing mission critical projects that are sensitive, complex, high profile, and cross-functional in nature
Extensive experience standing up new initiatives and delivering results on time and on budget with extraordinary attention to detail
Prior experience working with NBA teams, players, officials or rules is preferred

Salary Range

$110,000 - $140,000

Job Posting Title

Senior Manager

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.

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 214 countries and territories in 60 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season featured a record-tying 125 international players from a record-tying 43 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 more than 2.3 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms. NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness.

Referee Live Communications and Operations Manager

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