Position Summary:NBA Kenya is seeking an experienced sales/marketing professional for the New Business Development team. This position plays a key role in generating new sponsorship revenue for NBA Kenya. The ideal candidate must be a dynamic team player, with excellent storytelling, communication, and negotiation skills.The successful candidate will be implementing the new business development strategy with a focus on new partnership development - prospecting, pitching, negotiating, and securing new marketing partners. The role will require frequent travel throughout the African region and will work closely with the Marketing, Media, Events, and other groups to create and drive new revenue streams.Major Responsibilities:Business Development:Drive the continued growth and expansion of the NBA business and revenuesDevelop and implement a new business development strategy for the NBA, in consultation with the Head of NBA Kenya and the NBA Head of CommercialBuild relationships with senior-level decision makers at prospective sponsors, relevant marketing agencies, event management companies, and promoters to generate new partners and other new business opportunitiesCreate, present, sell, and execute integrated NBA programs and initiativesManage the entire sales process from proposal to deal memo submission and contract execution by liaising with other departments (Legal, Finance, etc.)Adapt current NBA marketing programs and create new initiatives tailored to the NBAIdentify fan engagement opportunities to facilitate greater fan acquisition and one-to-one relationships with the current fan baseMaintain a working knowledge of the sales and marketing activities of prospective partners as well as the general advertising, marketing, and technology landscape to understand potential client solutionsMaintain a database of highly valuable targets and opportunitiesMonitor the activity of other sports and entertainment properties in the regionContribute to the development and implementation of the business development strategy for NBA KenyaPartnerships Sponsorship:Prospect, target, pitch, and secure NBA Kenya sponsorship, event, and media partnershipsDevelop and maximize networking opportunities with potential and existing sponsors and relevant marketing agenciesUnderstand the prospect's brand DNA and design sales presentations to reflect the brand synergies and positioningDeliver impactful on-brand and on-target partnership programs for new business prospectsUse storytelling to effectively sell-in partnership ideas to new business prospectsDevelop, visualize, and present customized partnership solutions for prospective sponsorsFacilitate ideation by leading cross-functional brainstorms to inform creative solutionsLiaise with colleagues globally across the NBA to uncover business development opportunitiesMaintain a strong understanding of industry marketing channels and technologies that clients may utilize in activating an NBA Kenya sponsorshipInternal Partnerships:Establish and develop close relationships with all the NBA NY global account teams, ensuring that they are proactively informed about all the NBA Kenya plans, initiatives, and projectsDevelop and execute a detailed and coherent plan focused on engaging the NBA NY global account teams with exciting and consistent presentations, aiming to get them on board with all the NBA Kenya plans, initiatives, and projects so those can be considered key components for all global or regional new partnership opportunities and upsellsRepresent the NBA Kenya in global pitches and status meetings, providing relevant information and insights about the NBA Kenya plan, initiatives, and projects, while also outlining clearly how current and potential global partners would receive value through thoseRequired Skills/Knowledge:Successful track record building business in Kenya; must have a strong understanding of the market and a network of relationships across all sectors of Kenyan marketing and media landscapeCreative storyteller with the ability to sell conceptuallyHigh-level connectivity - client-side and sponsorship/marketing community in generalAbility to attain and exceed targets. This should involve delivering integrated programs that include media, print, interactive, and event-based assets Entrepreneurial approach with a strong understanding of business fundamentalsA track record of securing sponsorship contracts for rights holders in sportsKnowledge of TV and digital sales, merchandising, and communicationsAbility to develop creative solutions which will meet the objectives of prospective partnersExperience in working within a structured corporate environmentBusiness knowledge - being up to date with business/market/industry trendsA thorough understanding of the sports landscape (basketball and NBA knowledge preferable)Experience in working for a high-profile global organizationExperience in investment banking a plusExperience Needed:Minimum of 8 years of sales and/or business development experienceStrategic thinker - able to shape, develop and execute the strategy for the NBAStrong persuading and negotiation skillsA credible communicator, adept at operating at the board levelCommercially minded and results-drivenExcellent presentation skillsAbility to work well within a matrixed organizationA passion for sports preferredEducational Background Required:Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred but not required
