Marketing & Communications Lead at National Basketball Association (NBA)

Position Summary:

Reporting directly to the Vice President Country Head, Kenya. This critical management position will be responsible for building integrated marketing and communications strategies and campaigns for NBA Kenya, with a focus on cross-promotional monetization strategies. This role calls for building fandom and demonstrating creativity when presenting NBA Kenya's brand message to target audiences. This role will use analysis of key metrics, market conditions and marketing opportunities to help drive consumer awareness and commercial growth in line with NBA Kenya's larger strategic goals.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead, inspire and manage a team of marketing, communications and content professionals
• Build the brand through compelling storytelling both on and off the court (players/teams, community leaders, basketball fans, etc.). Capture excitement to identify, educate and engage fans across key markets
• Develop marketing and PR vision and strategy for NBA Kenya in conjunction with local management and key groups in NY (International Marketing, CDS, Social & Digital Media, and Communications)
• Lead planning and prioritization of all marketing and communications efforts for NBA Kenya
• Lead communication of all marketing efforts with a specific focus on data and results-driven reporting back to key partners in the region and NY
• Oversee relationships with creative, marketing and communications agencies including regular strategic and campaign-specific direction
• Oversee regional marketing and PR budget with a focus on delivering additional value
• Work collaboratively with key functional groups including Media Distribution, Global Partnerships, Content, and Events to deliver fully-integrated promotional initiatives
• In collaboration with Johannesburg and NY-based marketing and communications teams, collaborate on the strategy for BAL products
• Pursue strategic brand marketing partner opportunities
• Monitor competitor and marketplace trends
• Leverage existing and build new relationships to identify marketing opportunities to amplify the brand
• Work with the content team and PR team to identify storylines and key messaging moments throughout the season
• Set KPIs in terms of the success of key metrics including brand awareness, fan engagement and the overall number of fans.

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Multidimensional marketing and PR leader with the ability to conceptualize and oversee the execution of creative campaigns Excellent communication, social and analytical skills
• Highly skilled at building market-based strategies from market entry to market maturity
• A motivational leader of people, who is also able to engage, listen and collaborate with multiple internal departments to deliver cross-team solutions
• Capable of developing integrated marketing and PR strategies but with the ability to deliver tactical elements in tandem
• Deep understanding of digital marketing strategy and content campaign planning
• Self-motivated, dedicated and driven to achieve results
• Deep knowledge and expertise on the African continent Basketball knowledge and/or affinity, a plus

Experience Needed:

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in marketing and PR with a confirmed track record of creating market-based strategies
• At least 10 years of experience with an excellent understanding of direct-to-consumer paid social, marketing analytics and marketing technology platforms
• Prior experience in leading teams and being responsible for a marketing and PR P&L
• A track record of building and growing brand following Experience in developing and delivering data-driven fan/customer engagement strategies, through TV or digital media channels, Experience working with multiple partners and coordinating multiple campaign elements
• A validated track record in developing compelling traditional and digital campaigns
• Experienced in social crisis communications management Experienced at handling the demands of multiple partners
• Proven experience in galvanizing partners towards a common purpose
• A deep understanding of media buying

Educational Background Required

• Bachelor's degree University educated with a degree in Marketing, PR, or related discipline required MBA or postgraduate degree, preferred