📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing & Communications Lead - NBA Kenya
🔹 Company: NBA
🔹 Location: Nairobi, Kenya
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Building integrated marketing and communications strategies for NBA Kenya
- Focusing on cross-promotional monetization strategies to drive consumer awareness and commercial growth
- Leading and managing a team of marketing, communications, and content professionals
- Collaborating with various functional groups to deliver fully-integrated promotional initiatives
- Monitoring competitor and marketplace trends to identify marketing opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the African market to effectively build the NBA brand in Kenya.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead, inspire, and manage a team of marketing, communications, and content professionals
✅ Build the brand through compelling storytelling, both on and off the court, to engage fans across key markets
✅ Develop marketing and PR vision and strategy for NBA Kenya in conjunction with local management and key groups in NY
✅ Lead planning and prioritization of all marketing and communications efforts for NBA Kenya
✅ Oversee relationships with creative, marketing, and communications agencies, providing regular strategic and campaign-specific direction
✅ Pursue strategic brand marketing partner opportunities
✅ Monitor competitor and marketplace trends to identify marketing opportunities to amplify the brand
✅ Work with the content team and PR team to identify storylines and key messaging moments throughout the season
✅ Set KPIs in terms of the success of key metrics including brand awareness, fan engagement, and the overall number of fans.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, team leadership, and hands-on campaign execution, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, PR, or a related discipline required. MBA or postgraduate degree, preferred.
Experience: A minimum of 15 years of experience in marketing and PR with a confirmed track record of creating market-based strategies. At least 10 years of experience with an excellent understanding of direct-to-consumer paid social, marketing analytics, and marketing technology platforms.
Required Skills:
- Multidimensional marketing and PR leader with the ability to conceptualize and oversee the execution of creative campaigns
- Excellent communication, social, and analytical skills
- Highly skilled at building market-based strategies from market entry to market maturity
- Deep understanding of digital marketing strategy and content campaign planning
- Self-motivated, dedicated, and driven to achieve results
- Deep knowledge and expertise on the African continent. Basketball knowledge and/or affinity, a plus.
Preferred Skills:
- Prior experience in leading teams and being responsible for a marketing and PR P&L
- A track record of building and growing brand following
- Experience in developing and delivering data-driven fan/customer engagement strategies through TV or digital media channels
- Experience working with multiple partners and coordinating multiple campaign elements
- Proven experience in social crisis communications management
- Proven experience in galvanizing partners towards a common purpose
- A deep understanding of media buying
ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on the African market, candidates with local experience and a strong understanding of the regional market dynamics are likely to be more successful.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between KES 3,500,000 - KES 4,500,000 per annum, based on industry standards for a senior marketing role in Kenya with 10+ years of experience.
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
- Employee discounts on NBA merchandise and events
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday - Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed to support events and campaigns.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The NBA is part of the global sports industry, with a focus on basketball entertainment and sports management.
Company Size: The NBA has 51-200 employees in China, with a larger global workforce. This size allows for a more agile and innovative work environment compared to larger enterprises.
Founded: The NBA was founded in 1949 and has since grown into a global sports and media organization.
Company Description:
- The NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in more than 50 languages.
- NBA rosters feature a record number of international players, reflecting the league's global appeal.
- The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 2.1 billion likes and followers globally.
Company Specialties:
- Entertainment
- Sports
- Live Events
- Sports Management
- Basketball
Company Website: NBA China
ASSUMPTION: The NBA's global presence and focus on basketball entertainment provide unique opportunities for marketing and communications professionals to gain experience in a dynamic and international environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring extensive experience and a proven track record in marketing and communications.
Reporting Structure: The Marketing & Communications Lead reports directly to the Vice President Country Head, Kenya.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to work on high-profile campaigns and events, both locally and internationally
- Opportunities to collaborate with various functional groups, gaining exposure to different aspects of the business
- Possibility to progress to a more senior role within the organization, such as Vice President or General Manager
ASSUMPTION: Given the NBA's global presence and the strategic nature of this role, there are significant opportunities for professional growth and development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The NBA Kenya office is a modern, professional environment with a collaborative and dynamic atmosphere.
Office Location(s): Nairobi, Kenya
Geographic Context:
- Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya, with a population of over 4 million people.
- The city is a major hub for business, technology, and innovation in East Africa.
- Nairobi offers a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous restaurants, museums, and entertainment options.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is primarily Monday - Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed to support events and campaigns.
ASSUMPTION: Working in Nairobi provides unique opportunities to engage with a diverse and dynamic market, while also enjoying a high quality of life in a modern, cosmopolitan city.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and other stakeholders
- Final round interviews, potentially including a case study or presentation
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Leadership and team management skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with NBA values
- Communication and presentation skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the African market and the NBA's global presence
- Prepare examples of your past marketing campaigns and their outcomes
ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, brand building, team leadership, campaign management, market analysis, fan engagement, cross-promotion, monetization, crisis communications, media buying, digital marketing, content strategy
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is likely to be competitive and thorough, with a strong focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership skills, and cultural fit.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's background and the organization's existing tech stack.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball
- Be authentic and innovative
- Collaborate and win together
- Embrace diversity and inclusion
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on results and continuous improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody the NBA's core values in your work?
- Describe a time when you had to manage a team through a challenging situation. How did you approach it?
- How do you stay organized and manage your time when juggling multiple projects?
ASSUMPTION: The NBA values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on collaboration and innovation.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team with diverse backgrounds and skillsets
- Balancing strategic planning with hands-on campaign execution
- Adapting to the unique cultural and market dynamics of Kenya
- Working in a fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environment
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, adaptability, and a strategic mindset.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other marketing roles, this position requires a deep understanding of the African market and the unique dynamics of the basketball entertainment industry
- This role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile campaigns and events, both locally and internationally
- Career progression in the NBA may involve moving to different regions or taking on more senior roles within the organization
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other marketing and communications positions, its focus on the African market and the NBA's global presence makes it a unique opportunity for the right candidate.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a marketing campaign to launch a new NBA product or service in Kenya
- Collaborating with the content team to create engaging and culturally relevant storytelling around NBA events and players
- Managing a crisis communications situation, such as a negative media story or social media backlash
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the strategic and hands-on nature of the role, as well as the importance of cultural relevance and adaptability.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader marketing and communications strategy for the NBA in Kenya?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the NBA support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in the African market for the NBA?
- How does the NBA collaborate with local partners and stakeholders to amplify its brand and reach new audiences?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate the candidate's interest in the role, the organization, and the broader market dynamics, while also gathering valuable insights into the work environment and growth opportunities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the NBA Careers website
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past marketing campaigns and their outcomes
- Research the NBA's global presence and the African market to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and the role
- Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the interview process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
