Athletes Unlimited is a new model of pro sports where individuals are champions of team sports, and fans engage with and support their favorite players directly. We change the game with faster play, and new team rosters every week, delivering thrilling entertainment in which every moment counts. We provide our team of enthusiastic, collaborative innovators a next-generation workplace with unlimited PTO, competitive health insurance, professional development opportunities, and more so that we can build the future of professional sports. Are you Unlimited?
Athletes Unlimited is looking for a unique professional who keeps track of all the small details to ensure the success of a greater goal. Athletes Unlimited is looking for a Director of Sport, Basketball to provide overall guidance and direction on the main aspects of Athletes Unlimited Basketball sporting activities and be the driving force behind the successful organization and strategic direction of the league. The Director will be responsible for successful execution of the season, as well as off-season activities, while also working on plans for the future. The Director will work closely with the Player Executive Committee (PEC) and numerous full-time staff. This position is full-time and reports to the SVP of Finance & Operations.
- Work with the PEC on all relevant matters relating to players:
- Active support with Player identification and recruitment
- Travel and living arrangements
- Manage regular All Player Calls and League/Player communications
- Hiring and management of facilitators:
- Conduct weekly meetings with facilitators in advance of the season and during the season
- Hiring and management of game-day staff, including but not limited to officials and sports operations talent.
- Be point person for all things game-day related
- Assist with staffing and recruitment of game day operations support roles
- Coordinate game-day staff for each game
- Ensure that all aspects of the game operations are covered
- Active involvement in reviewing and implementation of:
- Scoring System (including scoring technology)
- Rules of Play
- League Policies & Procedures
- Strategic planning for future seasons as well as a general growth and development of the league
- Consider plans on how to expand AU Basketball to optimize for athletes and fans
- Consider collaboration with organizations/teams/bodies
- Coordinate alongside AU operations team (i.e. player care coordinator, equipment manager, athlete concierge, head of medical services and operations)
- Conduct regular meetings, develop and manage timelines and deadlines together with the VP Sports Operations.
- Assist in development and implementation of Health/Safety protocols (including COVID, Sexual Harassment and Gambling)
- Work closely with VP Sports Operations and Medical Providers to implement Health and Safety Policies as well as COVID Policies
- Serve as internal point person for complaints/concerns from players, in-season staff, facilitators
- Work closely with Head of Partnerships and League operations to identify ideal partners and lead development, execution and management of relationships
- Collaborating with PR on press releases on league, athletes and other relevant releases
- Collaborate on grassroots Basketball relationships and help identifying opportunities for group sales.
- Assist identifying commentators for the games and broadcast
- Establish, together with the league and the PEC, schedules for practice and competitions.
- Hire a Supervisor of Officials and work with that person to ensure the best possible officials are scheduled for the season
- Collaborate with the league in determining the venue and player housing and due diligence process, which include site visits.
- Sport Liaison
- Point person for relevant sports organizations, such as other professional leagues, governing bodies, coaching and player organizations at pro and youth levels
- Develop partnerships and execute with sports bodies
- Develop non-profit/charitable programs for AU Basketball (Clinics, AU All Access or other programs)
- Oversee the league’s college draft, tryouts and other year-round events
- Strategic planning for future seasons as well as a general growth and development of the league
All of the above would need to be achieved within budget and in compliance with all relevant rules and regulations.
Requirements
- 7+ years of experience working in operations, strategy, and/or business planning teams, with strong preference for those with leadership and operational experience in the sport of basketball
- Must be available to travel to and live/work in market for the full duration of all Athletes Unlimited Basketball leagues and events
- Must be comfortable with and equipped to work remotely
- Demonstrated and extensive leadership experience and capabilities to coach, inspire, and develop a team
- Ability to question the status quo and believe there is always a way to continuously improve
- Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally to lead and influence business decisions
- Exceptional program management skills with the ability to track and manage complex processes
- A systematic problem solver with strategic problem-solving skills
- A bias for action and the delivery of results
- Superior interpersonal skills with the ability to generate trust through partnership and collaboration
Benefits
This role provides compensation at an annual salary of $85,000-$95,000. This role is also full-time and remote. In addition, Athletes Unlimited is proud to offer comprehensive benefits and perks to all of our full-time employees, including:
- Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
- Generous 401(k) company match
- Stock options commensurate with compensation
- Unlimited paid time off alongside company holidays and dark days
- Professional development stipend
- Unlimited access to 1:1 coaching via TaskHuman
Athletes Unlimited is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its hiring process based on race, religion, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, pregnancy status, parental status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
At AU, we are committed to changing the game of professional sports. This is made possible by building a talented and diverse workforce. Research shows that women, trans, non-binary folks, and BIPOC are less likely to apply for a job unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications. We strongly encourage you to apply even if your background is non-traditional or you might not meet every one of the qualifications described.