Basketball Operations Academy Lead - Middle East

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

_________________

Group & Position Summary

The NBA’s international offices support the league’s strategy to grow the game of basketball globally through grassroots development, elite pathways, partnerships, and world-class programs. Based in the Middle East, this Director-level role leads Basketball Operations and Academy activities across the region, with a particular focus on the NBA Global Academy in Abu Dhabi and grassroots programming in ME. Reporting directly to the Head of Business Basketball Operations – EME, with dotted-line accountability to regional and global basketball leadership, the role provides strategic oversight and on-the-ground operational leadership delivery of the NBA Academy and elite basketball development, as well as grassroots initiatives. The position works closely with partnership teams, operators, agencies and international stakeholders to ensure programs meet NBA standards and deliver meaningful impact.

Major Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and supervision of all grassroots basketball programs in the Middle East, including Jr. NBA, camps, clinics, and facility refurbishments, in partnership with the Partnerships team.
• Jointly deliver approximately grassroots programming within existing partnerships and support the delivery of grassroots partnerships in FY26 alongside New Business Development.
• Serve as the primary on-the-ground lead for the NBA Global Academy in Abu Dhabi, supporting International Basketball Operations – Elite Basketball (NY) on program delivery.
• Manage partnership and relationship oversight for DCT and the NBA Global Academy operator (NYU Abu Dhabi), ensuring all contractual obligations, operational guidelines, and NBA standards are met.
• Act as the primary point of contact in Abu Dhabi for all matters related to the execution of the NBA Global Academy, including coordination with the NBA Academy Technical Director and key internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead on the ground consultation in alignment with the IBO Elite team to guide and make formal recommendations to DCT and NYU Abu Dhabi on academy operations, delivery, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the on-the-ground partnership with NYUAD to ensure seamless onboarding and coordination with academy staff, including technical leadership, coaches, athletic performance, operations, medical, performance lifestyle, and academic teams.
• Coordinate with appropriate IBO staff to ensure compliance with health, safety, and player welfare management for academy participants and staff, including risk management, injury prevention, safeguarding, and educational needs.
• Ensure NYU Abu Dhabi residential and athletic facilities used by the academy meet NBA quality standards for players, coaches, and support staff.
• Manage local agencies responsible for planning and executing NBA Academy tournaments and events in Abu Dhabi, while maintaining relationships with sponsors, national federations, leagues, and international basketball stakeholders.
  
  

Required Skills / Knowledge

• Deep knowledge of basketball operations, elite player development, and grassroots programming.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with experience working across federations, institutions, and global governing bodies.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, international environment with multiple reporting lines.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, safeguarding, and player welfare best practices in elite sport environments.
• Ability to provide strategic guidance while remaining closely involved in operational delivery.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate credibly with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail across complex programs and partnerships.
• Cultural awareness and experience operating in international and Middle Eastern contexts.
• Passion for basketball development and the NBA’s global growth strategy.
  
  

Experience Needed

• 8–10+ years’ relevant experience in basketball operations, elite sport programs, academies, or international sports development.
• Prior experience overseeing grassroots and/or elite player development programs.
• Experience managing institutional partnerships, operators, or governing bodies.
• Proven track record of operating within global or regional sports organizations.
• Experience working internationally, preferably within the Middle East.
  
  

Educational Background Required

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Advanced degree or coaching/technical qualifications in sport or athlete development preferred.
  
  

Salary Range

N/A

Job Posting Title

Director

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.