Senior Program Manager, NBA Players Legacy Fund

WORK OPTION: Remote

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

Group Summary:

The NBA Players Legacy Fund is a grantmaking organization, which helps retired players achieve their financial, career, and education goals. 

The Fund makes cash grants to former players who are experiencing financial hardship, seeking new career/academic opportunities, or negotiating major medical challenges, including drug or alcohol addiction. In addition to cash grants, we provide grantees with financial counseling, career development coaching, and other value-added resources. The Legacy Fund is jointly funded by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).

Position Summary:

The Senior Program Manager will oversee the entire grantmaking lifecycle, from applicant intake and due diligence to pipeline tracking and board voting processes. Key responsibilities include managing the Program Manager, addressing grantee emergencies, and supporting grant-related administrative tasks.

The role also involves spearheading outreach initiatives to expand the Fund’s reach, building strategic partnerships, and representing the Fund with external partners. Additionally, the Senior Program Manager will maintain and enhance the CRM system, ensure accurate data entry, and oversee document retention policies. S/he will manage grantee profiles, generate reports, and develop communication materials, including Board memos and stakeholder presentations. Operational duties include maintaining templates, forms, and the grant tracker to ensure efficiency and confidentiality.

The Senior Program Manager reports to the Executive Director and, once trained, will supervise the Program Manager.  The Senior Program Manager interacts regularly with the Fund’s internal and external stakeholders, including: the Finance, IT, and Benefits teams; other NBA and NBPA departments which serve the retired player community; a four-member Board of Directors, comprised of senior NBA and NBPA executives; applicants/grantees/their families; and program partners.

Major Responsibilities:
GRANTMAKING LIFECYCLE 

• Manage all stages of the application and grantmaking process:
  • Serve as primary point of contact for applicants; respond to inquiries regarding guidelines and application process; prepare applicant due diligence and intake.
  • Review application packets and supporting documents and manage comprehensive follow-up Q&A. 
  • Draft Board memo drafts, application updates, and commitment agreements.  
  • Manage ongoing pipeline to track status of all inquiries, and pending/submitted applications.
  • Oversee board voting processes, maintaining minutes of electronic votes.

MANAGEMENT 

• Once trained, the Senior Program Manager  will be responsible for managing the Program Manager (PTE, 28 hours per week). List Manager’s main responsibilities? 
• Support the Executive Director by managing late-breaking grantee emergencies and assisting with grant-related administrative tasks.

OUTREACH & NEW INITIATIVES 

• Support Executive Director in developing new partnerships and outreach initiatives to expand the Fund’s impact and reach first-time applicants. 
• Forge connections with influencers both within and outside of the NBA, PA and RPA communities 
• Represent the Fund with external partners, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

COMMUNICATIONS

• In addition to drafting Board memos, application updates, and commitment agreements, prepare compelling communication materials, including presentations, talking points, and fact sheets for Board members and other stakeholders. 
• Maintain application and all other applicant forms, guidelines, and templates.

DATA/CRM MANAGEMENT & DOCUMENT RETENTION 

• CRM System Management: Ensure accurate, real-time data entry and maintenance of applicant and grantee records in the CRM and grant databases.
• Document Retention and Security: Implement and oversee document retention policies, securely storing and organizing all sensitive information in cloud-based systems for easy access. 
• Grantee Profile and Testimonial Inventory: Maintain an up-to-date inventory of grantee profiles and testimonials.
• Generate internal reports for grant tracking and trends.

Qualifications:

• Known for your exceptional work ethic and consistently high-quality results, you take full ownership of your projects and readily go the extra mile, inspiring others to do the same.  
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of seven years in a project management, programmatic, or senior administrative role.

Organizational, Management and Administrative Skills:

• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with exceptional attention to detail and data integrity.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven success training and managing staff. 
• Experience coordinating cross-departmental projects and tracking complex workflows.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Outstanding written, editorial, and proofreading abilities.
• Excellent customer service skills with strict confidentiality; experience supporting clients in vulnerable situations preferred.

Technical Proficiency:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel functions (e.g., formulas, pivot tables) and PowerPoint presentation design.
• Experience with CRMs and databases; quick to adopt new platforms and information management systems.

Independent and Self-Driven Work Style:

• Proven success working remotely, with high discipline, focus, and initiative.
• Ability to work independently with excellent time management, problem-solving, and multi-tasking skills.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to remain responsive and flexible in fast-changing and late-breaking situations.

Commitment: Minimum three-year commitment to the position preferred.

Additional Attributes: A good sense of humor, empathy and patience. 

Salary Range: $3,076.92-$3,461.54/ Bi-weekly 

Job Posting Title: Project 

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.