Job Description

WORK OPTION: The NBA currently provides eligible employees the option of working remotely one day per week.
Position Summary
The Guest Management & Experience Lead is responsible for designing and executing a world-class guest experience strategy for all BAL and NBA Africa events. This role ensures seamless coordination of logistics, hospitality, ticketing, and communications for VIPs, dignitaries, partners, and other key stakeholders attending BAL events.
Major Responsibilities
Guest Experience Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement guest management protocols across all BAL events.
• Design tailored experiences for different guest categories (VIPs, sponsors, government officials, NBA executives, etc.).
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-touch hospitality across venues and cities.

Logistics & Operations

• Oversee travel, accommodation, transportation, and on-site support for guests.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure timely and accurate execution of guest logistics.
• Manage guest registration and ticketing processes.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for high-level guests before, during, and after events.
• Collaborate with NBA and BAL departments (e.g., Partnerships, Communications, Security) to align guest needs with league priorities.
• Maintain strong relationships with hotels, transport providers, and local authorities.

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Lead and train guest management staff and volunteers across host cities.
• Develop SOPs and training materials to ensure consistent service delivery.
• Monitor performance and provide feedback to improve guest experience operations.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track guest satisfaction and feedback to inform future improvements.
• Prepare post-event reports and debriefs for internal stakeholders.
• Stay current on best practices in sports hospitality and guest services.

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Fluent in English and French; other languages a plus.
• Willingness to travel extensively during the BAL season.
• Passion for African sports and culture.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.

Experience Needed

• 7+ years of experience in guest services, hospitality, or event operations, preferably in sports or entertainment.
• Proven ability to manage high-profile guests and complex logistics across multiple locations.
• Experience working in multicultural environments.

Educational Background Required

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, Public Relations, or a related field.
• PMP (Project Management Professional), CMP (Certified Meeting Professional), or similar credentials can be a plus.

Salary Range:
ZAR 800,000 - 1,030,000
Job Posting Title: Senior Manager
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.

Skills Required