Operations Leader

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Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced operations expert and organizational management professional to serve as Operations Leader at the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition. Reporting to the Coalition's Head of Programs & Partnerships, the Operations Leader will develop and manage the operational infrastructure, business processes, data-collection vehicles, and knowledge-management systems that support the Coalition's advocacy mission. The Operations Leader will partner with the Head of Programs & Partnerships to:

1. Establish Coalition organizational norms and practices for Coalition staff collaboration, information-sharing, and creation of project deliverables
2. Develop and track performance metrics for an array of Coalition activities tied to annual objectives and key results (OKRs)
3. Represent the Coalition in various cross-functional operational workstreams.

The Operations Leader will supervise a Coalition coordinator and a range of consultants. The Operations Leader will collaborate closely with the Coalition Executive Director, as well as the Coalition Board of Directors, the NBA Social Responsibility and Player Programs (SRPP) team, the NBA Communications team, and various other departments across the NBA.

Major Responsibilities:

The Operations Leader will work with the Executive Director and with the Head of Programs & Partnerships to build and manage the growing advocacy program of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition. Responsibilities for the role center on establishing and maintaining infrastructure and effective operational standards, procedures, and practices for Coalition staff in support of our advocacy mission. Duties fall into the following categories:

Data & Knowledge:

• Establish advocacy and programmatic metrics and evaluation processes that tie to Coalition annual objectives & key results (OKRs) for all activities.
• Rigorously track program and team performance against performance metrics and OKRs.
• Maintain master calendars of Coalition activities (internal, external, advocacy, programmatic) across staff and workstreams.
• Prepare written briefings, decks, and informational materials for all Coalition meetings and engagements, including internal (unit, cross-departmental, and board) and external (partner, legislative, advocacy, and civil society stakeholder).
• Lead data management for Coalition and establish systems to maintain, integrate, and organize all Coalition records, including deliberative planning materials and documents for Coalition campaigns and advocacy initiatives.
• Relevant external advocacy inputs and policy information (incl. tracking market-specific initiatives, polling and public opinion research, legislative tracking, and partnership information).
• Operational documents and communications collateral.

Finance & Compliance:

• Liaise with NBA operational teams (Legal, Finance, Human Resources) to ensure compliance with applicable organizational regulations and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure timely and efficient processing and submission of payments to all vendors and service providers.
• Provide leadership and oversight to ensure proper governance and internal controls for financial audits.

Events & Special Projects:

• Lead planning and execution of Coalition-sponsored events and programming (informational/educational or advocacy).
• Partner with the Communications team to manage the execution of public-facing engagements and appearances by Coalition staff, board members, or other supporters.
• Collaboration Partner with Coalition officers and board to ensure the integrity of all Coalition governance processes.
• Liaise with counterparts across NBA business units to ensure regular and efficient information sharing and effective collaboration.
• Build relationships within the NBA community including NBA league office staff, NBA team staff, players, legends, and coaches.

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• 8+ years experience in advocacy, government, sports, entertainment, or another relevant field required
• Proven operations leader with a track record of successful organizational management.
• Problem-solver with the ability to design and manage complex, multilateral projects from inception to execution.
• A creative and optimistic approach to advocacy with a forward-looking perspective on challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to build teams, foster collaborative relationships, and forge partnerships with both individuals and institutions.
• Professional commitment to racial and social justice as demonstrated through previous work experience.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required; relevant advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in 501(c)(3) advocacy, 501(c)(4) lobbying, or private sector social responsibility work preferred but not required.

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.