Manager, Community Relations and Youth Basketball

The 3-time WNBA Champions Los Angeles Sparks are seeking a Manager of Community Relations and Youth Basketball. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about building and maintaining relationships between our organization and the local community. This position will be responsible for managing the team’s community partner relationships and developing cross-disciplinary programs and initiatives that contribute to the community outreach goals of the organization. The Manager of Community Relations and Youth Basketball will also execute partnership activation strategy and drive revenue generation through camps, clinics, and group ticket sales. This individual will work in collaboration with the community, corporate partners and internal departments to activate targeted strategies for increased youth engagement, brand and platform integration. This is an exempt position reporting under the direction of the VP of Community Relations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Relations & Youth Basketball Activities

• Lead the development, implementation and coordination of the Community Relations and LA Sparks Youth Basketball programs
• Develop a comprehensive strategy and business plan to maintain effective relationships with community organizations to meet philanthropic goals
• Cross collaborates with internal Sparks departments such as Game Presentation and Entertainment, Marketing and Corporate Partnerships
• Develop metrics and other measures to evaluate efficiency of community-based initiatives
• Actively engaged and creating relationships with key community partners, leaders and organizations to enrich and develop community programs
• Ensure programs and camps are conducted in compliance with the most recent legislation, policies and procedures
• Work with VP of Community Relations in creating and meeting department budget
• Lead all youth basketball program staffing, including hiring and development of coaches and interns
• Plan and execute community events, such as youth sports clinics
• Facilitate partnerships with local businesses and organizations to enhance community engagement.
• Serve as a liaison between the sports organization and community groups to address concerns and promote collaboration.
• Collaborate with other departments to create and maintain a positive image of the sports organization.
• Maintain accurate records of community outreach efforts and report results to management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong project management, organizational and time management skills
• Ability to create and maintain productive, positive relationships through strong communication and interpersonal skills in a cross-collaborative setting with individuals at every level of the organization
• Ability to effectively communicate with diverse groups of people and represent the organization in a professional manner
• Willingness to learn and be able to flourish in a high growth, fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and the capability to travel as required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, marketing, or a related field from an accredited university/college
• 4-5 years of prior full-time work experience in sports, entertainment, event management, community relations, and business
• Must have a passion for youth basketball programs and community relations

PREFERRED:

• 3+ years in a management role in community relations or sports industry preferred
• Previous experience working in a WNBA or other professional sports team setting

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Available to work and travel on-site for Sparks home games, community events, including late evening hours and outside normal business hours
• Must be willing to relocate to Los Angeles, CA

Compensation commensurate with experience; minimum starting salary $70,000

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to give all details or a step-by-step account of the way each procedure or task is performed. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and you will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.