Production Technology Lead, Local Media

WORK OPTION: The NBA currently provides eligible employees the option of working remotely one day per week. _________________ Job Summary: The Production Technology Lead, Local Media, is responsible for defining and executing the technology strategy that underpins the NBA’s Local Media department. Reporting to the General Manager, this role will lead the design, build, and evolution of production systems and workflows as the league executes production for local networks. This executive will oversee the architecture and implementation of next-generation production infrastructure—including centralized control rooms, remote production (REMI), and cloud-based workflows—ensuring consistency, reliability, and integration across all team markets. Working and leading cross-functionally with Broadcast Engineering & Operations, Production Operations, and Distribution, this role will establish clear separation between system design and operational execution while enabling seamless end-to-end delivery of live game and studio content. The Production Technology Lead will work closely with third party technology, operations, engineering, crewing and production vendors to ensure seamless end-to-end quality of the production and integration for Local Media and its media distribution partners. The role also drives innovation in production capabilities, leveraging emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and elevate the local fan viewing experience. As a key member of the Local Media leadership team, this position will play a critical role in building a future-ready production ecosystem that aligns with the GM’s vision for an integrated, high-performing local media organization. Major Responsibilities: Lead the overall production technology strategy supporting the NBA’s centralized Local Media model Translate the GM’s vision for an integrated, end-to-end local media organization into scalable, standardized, and future-ready production systems and workflows Lead a multi-layered team of Broadcast Engineers, Streaming Engineers, Broadcast Operations, Graphics and Tech Managers to provide best in class production and services for NBA Local Media teams Design and oversee implementation of production infrastructure, including centralized control rooms, remote production (REMI) workflows, cloud-based environments, and venue-level systems Define and own the production technology stack (switchers, replay, graphics, orchestration, monitoring, and control systems) across all local markets Establish standardized technical frameworks and output specifications to ensure consistency, scalability, and seamless integration with distribution platforms Partner closely with Broadcast Engineering & Operations to transition systems from design into reliable, day-to-day execution, ensuring clear ownership between build vs. run responsibilities Collaborate with Production Operations to align technology capabilities with creative and editorial needs, improving efficiency, quality, and consistency of live game and studio productions Enable seamless integration with Distribution and DTC platforms by overseeing contribution, encoding, transport, and delivery readiness of all production outputs Build infrastructure capable of supporting all NBA local game productions concurrently, with appropriate redundancy, resiliency, and disaster recovery Lead evaluation, selection, and management of production technology vendors, systems integrators, and cloud partners, including oversight of major buildouts and upgrades Manage day-to-day relationship with truck, crewing and master control vendors Drive innovation in local broadcasts through adoption of cloud-native workflows, AI-enabled production tools, advanced graphics, and new content formats that enhance fan experience Support the GM’s mandate to improve local game presentation and grow viewership through technology-enabled enhancements and operational efficiencies Establish governance, standards, and decision frameworks for production technology across teams, markets, and partners within the Local Media ecosystem Build and lead a high-performing production technology team, focused on architecture, systems design, and long-term roadmap rather than day-to-day operations Manage capital and operating budgets for production technology, identifying opportunities for cost efficiency through centralization, automation, and shared infrastructure Serve as a key member of the Local Media leadership team, contributing to overall strategy, transformation, and execution under the General Manager Required Education/Professional Experience: 12+ years of experience in broadcast engineering, production technology, or media infrastructure, preferably in live sports or large-scale live event production Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Broadcast Technology, Computer Science, Media Production, or a related field preferred Proven leadership overseeing complex, multi-market production technology environments Experience designing and implementing modern production workflows (e.g., REMI, centralized, and/or cloud-based production) Demonstrated success leading large-scale technology transformation initiatives Track record of driving cross-functional alignment across production, engineering, and distribution teams Experience managing major vendors, systems integrators, and capital projects Experience negotiating vendor agreements and managing day-to-day relationships and improvements across vendors Budget ownership, including capital planning and cost optimization Required Skills/Knowledge Attributes: Deep expertise in live production systems, workflows, and end-to-end signal flow Strong knowledge of IP-based and cloud-enabled production environments (e.g., SMPTE 2110, SRT, NDI) Understanding of distribution workflows across linear, digital, and DTC platforms Ability to design scalable, standardized systems supporting high-volume live production Strong systems thinking across production, engineering, and distribution Strategic mindset with experience evaluating build vs. buy vs. partner decisions Proven leadership and team-building capabilities Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills Established history of creating a culture of consistent feedback and coaching across all levels Experience driving innovation through new technologies (e.g., cloud, AI, automation) Solid financial and operational acumen Salary Range: $260,000 - $350,000 Job Posting Title: Vice President Employees currently are eligible to receive an annual discretionary performance bonus, awarded at the sole discretion of the Company and subject to any terms and conditions set by the Company. Employees and/or eligible dependents may be eligible to participate in the following Company-sponsored employee benefit programs: medical; dental; vision; life/AD&D insurance; short- and long-term disability; fertility and family-forming assistance; wellbeing allowance; educational assistance; mental health coaching/therapy; tax advantaged accounts such as HSA and healthcare/dependent care FSAs; a 401(k) retirement plan; and time off benefits that include vacation, sick time, and personal days. 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. 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. About the NBA 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 214 countries and territories in 60 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season featured a record-tying 125 international players from a record-tying 43 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 more than 2.3 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms. NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness. At the NBA, we're passionate about growing and celebrating the game of basketball. Through the intensity of the game and the amazing athletic skill of our players, we deliver excitement to hundreds of millions of fans around the world. As a global sports and media business, the NBA is so much more. While Basketball Operations runs the league's on-court activities, other departments manage relationships with television and digital media partners, develop marketing partnerships with some of the world's most recognizable companies, oversee the licensing of NBA merchandise, and handle a wide range of responsibilities that drive the NBA's success. Off the court, we're also deeply committed to social responsibility. NBA Cares leads the league's involvement in addressing important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.