Sr. Director of NBA Partnerships

About the role

The Sr. Director of NBA Partnerships at Good Karma Brands is responsible for helping brands connect with NBA and WNBA fans through strategic partnerships. This role involves working with key agencies and advertisers to drive revenue growth and enhance GKB's position within the marketplace.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior executive ambassador for Good Karma Brands, representing the company with holding companies, independent agencies, and national brand marketers to strengthen awareness, consideration, and long-term strategic relationships.
• Develop and expand executive-level relationships to drive revenue with key agency and advertiser decision-makers, creating new pathways for partnership, accelerating revenue opportunities, and enhancing GKB’s position within the marketplace.
• Lead national business strategy and growth efforts for the NBA & WNBA business within the national marketplace, identifying opportunities for brands to authentically connect with basketball fans through premium content, experiences, audio, digital platforms, and integrated marketing solutions.
• Develop compelling partnership strategies that showcase the unique power of the NBA ecosystem and position GKB as the premier partner for brands looking to reach passionate audiences.
• Identify emerging trends across the NBA business landscape and develop innovative partnership opportunities that keep GKB at the forefront of the marketplace.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across GKB departments including inventory, marketing, other divisions, and the multi-market team, ensuring alignment from opportunity development through execution.
• Represent GKB in the marketplace, including industry conferences, events, and partner entertainment, serving as a visible leader and connector for the business.
• Leverage AI tools to enhance business development, market intelligence, partner research, proposal development, communication, and operational efficiency while maintaining strong strategic thinking, relationship management, and executive judgment.
• Participate in company-wide collaboration and cross-functional leadership; travel as needed.
• Lead by example by being humble, hungry, and smart.

Requirements

• Proven senior-level national business growth and commercial leadership experience in sports, podcasts, digital media, or adjacent media ecosystems.
• Demonstrated ability to build and leverage relationships with holding companies and large advertising agencies, especially in New York.
• Established top-tier relationships across agencies and brands, with a proactive approach to deepening existing relationships and continuously developing new partners and contacts.
• Track record of driving new business, including creating demand for premium solutions and converting senior-level agency relationships into revenue.
• Strong executive presence and comfort leading conversations with senior decision makers.
• Ability to partner cross-functionally and align stakeholders from pursuit through execution.
• Strong communication, prioritization, and follow-through.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license.

Skills

• Strategic thinking.
• Relationship management.
• Executive judgment.
• AI tool proficiency.
• Collaboration and cross-functional leadership.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, Life Insurance, STD, LTD, 401(k) Plan, Dependent Care, paid parental leave, and more.
• Opportunities for salary growth increase with skills and responsibilities and meeting targeted goals.
• Full benefits eligibility.

Pay

The salary for New York-based individuals expressing interest in this position is $250,000 - $400,000 (base). This role is eligible for incentive compensation and a competitive benefits package. Actual compensation will be based on experience, skills, and performance expectations.

Schedule

This role is based in our New York office. Travel is expected for partner meetings, industry conferences, and events.

Hours

The position will be required to work some evenings and weekends.