Digital Content Team Leader - Europe & Middle East

We are looking for a Digital Content Leader to drive the NBA’s social first, digital engagement strategy across Europe and the Middle East. You will lead the development, creation and execution of short-form content across all fan-facing platforms.

This role sits at the heart of our Consumer function, which brings together Marketing, Digital Content and Communications. You will play a pivotal role in shaping how the NBA connects with fans, delivers value to partners and stays at the forefront of the digital landscape.

As Digital Content Leader, you will manage the full content lifecycle, from strategy and ideation through to production and publishing. Every piece of content should feel native to its platform, creatively ambitious and designed to spark conversation. You will lead a talented team while staying close to the creative process yourself, helping generate ideas, oversee production and ensure our output consistently reflects the energy of the game and the passion of our fans.

This role is focused on social-first, short-form content. It is not centred around long-form storytelling or live production. Creativity, agility and a strong command of digital platforms are essential.

Major Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver social and digital content strategies that align with wider business and fan engagement objectives.
• Drive creative ideation across short-form content formats to engage audiences where they are, especially TikTok, Meta, YouTube and WhatsApp platforms.
• Grow our fan base by expanding the NBA’s digital footprint in EME, increasing reach, engagement and share of voice across all major social platforms.
• Create impact for partners by integrating branded and sponsored content in innovative, audience-led ways.
• Lead production workflows, including agency and freelancer relationships, ensuring high-quality, on-brand content at pace.
• Managing external agencies, ensuring the team have right balance of vendors to support team objectives.
• Respond to briefs from Marketing, Partnerships and Basketball Operations with creative, digital-first content solutions.
• Set and track KPIs to optimise performance, inform strategy and report measurable outcomes.
• Inspire and lead a high-performing digital content team that thrives on creativity, collaboration and continual improvement.

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Visionary content leadership: Proven track record of leading high-performing digital and social content strategies for major sports brands or rights holders across complex, multi-market environments.
• Commercial acumen in sport: Demonstrated ability to drive commercial value through digital content, from partner integration to digital monetisation.
• Strategic partner engagement: Adept at working with regional and global brand partners to deliver content-led campaigns that drive impact, relevance, and measurable outcomes
• Global IP: Experience managing and protecting valuable global IP, ensuring consistency, strategic alignment, and local relevance across international markets and digital platforms.
• Platform intelligence: Advanced knowledge of social and digital ecosystems, with a clear understanding of how to drive organic growth, optimise reach, and measure content performance
• Executive communication & leadership: Confident in presenting creative strategy and performance insights to senior stakeholders, with a proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams

Experience Needed:

• Minimum of 10–12 years of progressive experience in digital content, social media, or digital marketing roles, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position overseeing strategy and teams.
• International experience, working across multiple countries with cultural nuances.
• Demonstrated success leading content strategy and execution for major global sports, entertainment, or media brands, with proven ability to engage diverse, international audiences.
• Strong track record of managing cross-functional teams and delivering measurable outcomes in fast-paced, high-performance environments.
• Experience collaborating with global partners, agencies, and internal stakeholders to deliver innovative and commercially valuable content campaigns.
• Prior experience working with or for a rights holder or major league brand is highly desirable.
• Deep understanding of European and Middle Eastern media landscapes, fan cultures, and platform trends.