Youth Safety Officer – Head of Youth Safety

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 215 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2021-22 season featured a record 121 international players from 40 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 2.1 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.

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, including having received a booster when eligible. The NBA will discuss accommodations for individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for overseeing, developing, and implementing youth safety and protection initiatives across the NBA’s global and vast portfolio, including all youth programming and events across all NBA and Affiliate leagues.

Major Responsibilities:
Oversee and guide the NBA’s Youth Safety initiatives, which include, but are not limited to, the continued development of a youth safety compliance program, ongoing youth protection policy development, and youth safety trainings
Create and maintain an in-depth, comprehensive youth protection training program focusing on various key aspects of youth safety
Work directly with all internal groups involved with youth programming to coordinate and facilitate youth safety needs in all global youth programs and events
Maintain expertise in “Best Practices” for resource development and safety training in youth programming and implement across NBA youth programming
With the Youth Safety team, run an internal Youth Safety Committee, partnering with internal stakeholders, including Legal, Risk Management, Medical, Basketball Operations, Security, Events, and others
Leverage existing league relationships with third-party expert organizations to develop safety resources unique and specific to NBA youth programming
Manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
In collaboration with internal stakeholders, conduct regular auditing of youth programs to problem solve and identify areas of success and opportunity
Manage communications and materials regarding the league’s youth protection initiatives
Strategically engage third-party experts and other major sports leagues and stakeholders to maintain best practices

Required Skills/Knowledge:
A minimum of 10 years of experience in a sports environment
Previous industry experience working in Youth Safety sports compliance and/or training and development
Background in youth-specific matters relating to physical safety and wellbeing
Strong understanding, relatability, and familiarity with the NBA on-court product
Consultative mindset with a focus on process enhancements and augmentation
Excellent teaming, management, and leadership skills
Proven ability to work independently and efficiently while traveling
Exceptional attention to detail skills, especially related to business writing
Strong communication skills in delivering performance management messaging
Ability to interact well within and across multiple levels of the organization
Public speaking and presentation experience
A considerably high volume of business

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree or relevant field experience required

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.