Business Development & Sponsorship Lead

NBA Kenya is hiring an experienced sales/marketing professional to join their New Business Development team. This position plays a crucial role in generating new sponsorship revenue for NBA Kenya. They are seeking a dynamic team player with excellent storytelling, communication, and negotiation skills.

The successful candidate will implement NBA Kenya’s new business development strategy, focusing on prospecting, pitching, negotiating, and securing new marketing partners. The role requires frequent travel throughout the African region and close collaboration with the Marketing, Media, Events, and other groups to create and drive new revenue streams.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development:

• – Drive the continued growth and expansion of NBA Kenya’s business and revenues
• – Develop and implement a new business development strategy in consultation with relevant stakeholders
• – Build relationships with senior decision-makers at prospective sponsors, agencies, event companies, and promoters to generate new partners and business opportunities
• – Create, present, sell, and execute integrated NBA programs and initiatives
• – Manage the entire sales process from proposal to contract execution, liaising with Legal, Finance, and other departments
• – Adapt and create tailored NBA marketing programs and initiatives
• – Identify fan engagement opportunities to facilitate greater fan acquisition and one-to-one relationships
• – Maintain knowledge of sales, marketing, advertising, and technology landscapes to understand potential client solutions
• – Maintain a database of highly valuable targets and opportunities
• – Monitor the activity of other sports and entertainment properties in the region
• – Contribute to the development and implementation of NBA Kenya’s business development strategy

Partnerships Sponsorship:

• – Prospect, target, pitch, and secure NBA Kenya sponsorship, event, and media partnerships
• – Develop and maximize networking opportunities with potential and existing sponsors and relevant marketing agencies
• – Understand prospects’ brand DNA and design sales presentations to reflect brand synergies and positioning
• – Deliver impactful, on-brand, and on-target partnership programs for new business prospects
• – Use storytelling to effectively sell-in partnership ideas to new business prospects
• – Develop, visualize, and present customized partnership solutions for prospective sponsors
• – Facilitate ideation by leading cross-functional brainstorms to inform creative solutions
• – Liaise with colleagues globally across the NBA to uncover business development opportunities
• – Maintain a strong understanding of industry marketing channels and technologies that clients may utilize in activating an NBA Kenya sponsorship

Internal Partnerships:

• – Establish and develop close relationships with all NBA NY global account teams
• – Develop and execute a plan to engage NBA NY global account teams with NBA Kenya’s plans, initiatives, and projects
• – Represent NBA Kenya in global pitches and meetings, providing relevant information and insights
• – Outline how current and potential global partners would receive value through NBA Kenya’s plans, initiatives, and projects

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• – Successful track record building business in Kenya with a strong understanding of the market and a network of relationships across Kenyan marketing and media landscape
• – Creative storytelling ability to sell conceptually
• – High-level connectivity with clients and the sponsorship/marketing community
• – Ability to attain and exceed targets by delivering integrated programs (media, print, interactive, and event-based assets)
• – Entrepreneurial approach with a strong understanding of business fundamentals
• – Track record of securing sponsorship contracts for rights holders in sports
• – Knowledge of TV and digital sales, merchandising, and communications
• – Ability to develop creative solutions that meet the objectives of prospective partners
• – Experience working within a structured corporate environment
• – Business knowledge and understanding of business/market/industry trends
• – Thorough understanding of the sports landscape (basketball and NBA knowledge preferable)
• – Experience working for a high-profile global organization
• – Investment banking experience a plus

Experience Needed:

• – Minimum of 8 years of sales and/or business development experience
• – Strategic thinking ability to shape, develop, and execute strategy
• – Strong persuading and negotiation skills
• – Credible communicator, adept at operating at the board level
• – Commercially minded and results-driven
• – Excellent presentation skills
• – Ability to work well within a matrixed organization
• – Passion for sports preferred

Educational Background Required:

• – Bachelor’s degree required
• – Master’s degree preferred but not required