Project Employee, Event Operations

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

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Position Summary

The Project Employee (PE), Event Operations supports the Events team in the planning, coordination and onsite execution of league events. This entry-level role provides project and operational support across multiple event workstreams, helping to manage timelines, track deliverables, coordinate with internal teams and external partners and maintain visibility into event readiness.

The position serves as a flexible, hands-on resource across all areas of Event Operations, providing onsite support as needed across transportation, shipping and logistics, hotels, event systems, venue operations and other operational functions to help ensure seamless event delivery.

The PE will also support the team’s adoption and integration of new technologies, including AI and project management tools, to improve workflows, collaboration, information sharing and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, technologically curious and adaptable, with a willingness to learn across multiple areas of event operations and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

Project Management & Technology Integration

• Support the planning and execution of event operations through structured project management, helping to ensure key milestones, deliverables, dependencies and timelines remain on track.
• Support the development and maintenance of project plans, operational roadmaps, staffing grids, schedules, planning documents and other tools that provide visibility into event readiness and execution.
• Coordinate cross-functional workstreams, track action items and dependencies and help identify risks, gaps and opportunities for improved efficiency.
• Support the evaluation, testing and integration of new technologies, including AI-powered solutions and project management tools, to streamline workflows, improve collaboration and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Partner with the Event Operations team to identify opportunities to automate repetitive processes, improve information sharing and modernize existing planning and execution practices.
• Support the implementation and adoption of new tools and platforms by helping with workflows, documentation, templates and best practices that enable consistent use across the team.
• Maintain centralized project documentation and shared resources using platforms such as SharePoint, Microsoft Teams and other project management and collaboration tools.
• Maintain dashboards, trackers and reporting tools that provide visibility into project status, key milestones, outstanding decisions and operational readiness.
• Support project meetings and working sessions by helping project leads establish objectives, document decisions and track follow-through on key actions and deliverables.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to improve Event Operations workflows through process enhancements, technology and AI-enabled solutions.

Event Operations Support:

Provide project coordination and hands-on operational support across Event Operations, contributing to the planning, preparation and onsite execution of league events. Areas of focus may include, but are not limited to:

Transportation

• Support transportation planning and execution, including manifests, schedules, routing information and movement tracking.
• Coordinate with transportation vendors, internal stakeholders and event partners to support efficient event transportation operations.
• Maintain accurate transportation plans, trackers and operational information and assist with real-time updates during event execution.
• Provide onsite transportation support, helping to monitor operations, communicate changes and assist with issue resolution as needed.

Venues

• Support venue planning and operations, including space management, signage, access requirements and logistical coordination.
• Assist with credential and access planning and tracking to support operational requirements.
• Coordinate venue-related information, requirements and updates across internal departments, venue partners and vendors.
• Support venue readiness, load-in, event execution and load-out as needed.
• Conduct back-of-house venue tours and orientations for internal departments and event stakeholders.

Hotels

• Support hotel planning and onsite operations, including rooming lists, meeting and function space, staff accommodations and other event requirements.
• Coordinate with hotel partners and internal stakeholders to communicate lodging plans, requirements and changes.
• Assist with onsite hotel operations and issue resolution to support a positive experience for staff and event stakeholders.

Shipping & Logistics

• Support the planning and coordination of inbound and outbound shipments for event materials, equipment and other operational assets.
• Track shipments and coordinate with vendors and internal teams to help ensure timely delivery, receipt and distribution of event assets.
• Maintain shipping trackers, inventory information and related operational documentation.
• Provide hands-on support during event load-in and load-out, including the movement, organization and distribution of event materials.

Systems, Technology & Process Improvement

• Support the day-to-day use of Event Operations systems, project management platforms and collaboration tools.
• Assist with testing and implementing new technologies and AI-enabled tools to improve planning, communication, information sharing and operational efficiency.
• Help develop and maintain project trackers, dashboards, templates and workflows that provide visibility into timelines, deliverables and event readiness.
• Identify opportunities to streamline recurring processes, automate manual workflows and improve how operational information is organized and shared.
• Support team adoption of new tools and processes through testing, documentation and development of best practices.

Event Preparation & Onsite Operations

• Support event preparation through project tracking, operational schedules, planning documents, event materials and readiness activities.
• Provide flexible, hands-on onsite support across Event Operations based on event needs and priorities.
• Monitor assigned workstreams, track deliverables and escalate risks, issues or changes that may impact event execution.
• Assist with real-time issue resolution by coordinating across internal teams, vendors, venues and other event partners.
• Participate in pre-event planning, onsite operational meetings and post-event recaps to help capture learnings and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support special projects and evolving operational initiatives across the Events team as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience preferred.
• Previous experience or demonstrated interest in events, operations, project coordination, hospitality, sports, entertainment or a related field preferred.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams, priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaboration tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook and Teams.
• Interest in learning and applying new technologies, including AI and project management tools, to improve workflows and team effectiveness.
• Ability to work collaboratively across functional teams and with external partners while demonstrating professionalism, sound judgment and accountability.
• Willingness to provide hands-on support across a variety of operational functions and adapt responsibilities based on event needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting live events, sports, entertainment, hospitality, production or other fast-paced operational environments.
• Familiarity with event logistics, including transportation, hotels, venue operations, shipping, event systems and vendor coordination.
• Familiarity with project management, workflow or collaboration platforms and an interest in emerging technology and AI applications.
• Experience developing or maintaining project plans, trackers, presentations, dashboards or operational documentation.

Core Competencies

• Project Coordination & Execution
• Organization & Time Management
• Communication & Collaboration
• Technology & Digital Fluency
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving & Resourcefulness
• Adaptability & Flexibility
• Initiative & Accountability
• Team & Service Orientation

Working Conditions

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, based on event schedules.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Ability to work in fast-paced live event environments and adapt to changing operational requirements and priorities.
• Ability to stand, walk and move throughout event venues for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move event materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Salary Range:

$32/Hourly

Job Posting Title:

Project

Employees and/or eligible dependents may be eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical; short-term disability; mental health coaching/therapy; and sick time.

Eligibility Note: Not all positions are eligible for these benefits; eligibility may vary by role.

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.

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 214 countries and territories in 60 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season featured a record-tying 125 international players from a record-tying 43 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 more than 2.3 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms. NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness.