Director, Player Pathways

This is a Full Time Job

Position Overview: The Director, Player Pathways and Enrichment will have an exciting opportunity to strategically develop and tactically implement a foundational, comprehensive, sustainable and meaningful player enrichment program. Aimed at optimizing the Wizards player experience, the Director, Player Pathways & Enrichment will be an integral part of the team. This role is tasked with leading and coordinating all efforts dedicated to supporting the on and off-court growth and well-being of players, and their eco-system (e.g., families) throughout their athletic lifecycle and beyond. This function drives one of the most critical pillars of the organization in creating a first-class environment that attracts and fosters talent, and where players can flourish and perform beyond the court. In collaboration with partners across the organization, this role ensures the optimization of players' skills and competencies, empowering them to achieve their greatest potential. This role is specifically charged with developing initiatives around transition, learning, and connecting with internal and external collaborators and experts that influence the development of players and, thus, the success of the organization.

Are you dedicated to addressing and supporting every dimension of player development? We would love to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Wizards Player Pathways & Enrichment department and its staff.
• Partner with organizational leadership to ensure department vision supports the comprehensive well-being and growth of athletes.
• Collaborate closely with other basketball operations departments on player matters when needed and with business operations on any organizational demands/asks.
• Serve as a driver in designing programming and identifying internal and external opportunities to further elevate the players, organization, and their/its standing in the community and league.
• Cultivate strong, trust-centered bonds with athletes serving as a confidant, mentor, and catalyst for constructive change and personal development.
• Integrate off-court and on-court development initiatives to ensure a comprehensive approach to player growth and success. Foster a seamless alliance between skill acquisition/enhancement, personal development, and athletic performance.
• Lead the strategic development and implementation of programs and resources to enhance the overall athlete experience through the entire lifecycle from identification to retirement.
• Create, manage, and oversee both personal and professional support, development programs, and resources.
• Manage oversight of programs covering the full spectrum of player support and development, particularly the transition/on-boarding of players (and their families).
• Develop, plan, and implement opportunities, readiness and enrichment programs, and services for players.
• Heighten opportunities for athletes to engage with the organization, its business, and community partners to build positive and lasting relationships.
• Expand internal and external support and service networks and programs aimed at maintaining communication, networking, and the well-being and growth for athletes.
• Provide strategic direction of player appearances and marketing opportunities. Foster positive working relationships with athlete agents/agency for cross collaboration.
• Be responsible for implementation of family resources, events, educational and recreational programs, and philanthropic ventures within the organization's community.
• Serve as a liaison within the organization to ensure players are seamlessly connected with appropriate internal resources, facilitating complete support and well-being.
• Lead the development and execution of programming that promotes continued investment in athletes' success and development beyond their playing career with the Wizards.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight of team, NBA, and NBPA programming.
• Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with NBA Player Engagement/Development and the NBA Players Association. Serve as point of contact for both on all player relations matters.
• Ensure athletes are aware and take advantage of NBA and NBPA resources, initiatives, and programming.
• Establish standard processes and proactively identify and recommend solutions/programs based on assessment, feedback, and data that will positively impact athlete support and engagement and address gaps in service within the NBA and the Wizards organization.
• Share standard processes across the player development environment and conduct ongoing benchmarking against external practices, ensuring programs are innovative and effective.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Self-motivated.
• High levels of humility and curiosity.
• Creative and entrepreneurial approach, with a willingness to challenge the status quo.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to relate and empathize with individuals from a diverse set of backgrounds.
• High capacity to work independently and identify creative solutions and process improvements.
• Possess self-starter mentality, proactively looking for original and innovative initiatives to better support our athletes and their families.
• Experience in team and people management.
• Team-focused, with above-average ability to build relationships and collaborate.
• Intimate familiarity with life experiences of professional athletes.
• Able to build comprehensive action plans and a willingness to use evidence to assess their effectiveness.

Pay Range: $125-145,000 USD.

Benefit Eligibility: This role is eligible to participate in health and welfare benefits.