Manager, Basketball Sports Marketing, Japan

Is based in Tokyo, Japan, and reports to the Senior Manager of International Basketball Sports Marketing at Nike World Headquarters in Portland, Oregon. It collaborates closely with cross-functional teams across Japan Sports Marketing, Global Sports Marketing, Brand Marketing, Communications, Retail, Sales, Product, Finance, and Social Community and Impact (SC&I), while engaging a broad external network of athletes, agents, coaches, scouts, teams, leagues, federations, schools, agencies, and media partners. The purpose is to translate athlete insight and sport trends into sharp, actionable sports marketing strategies that fuel business growth, with a focus on mastering the fundamentals of seek, sign, and serve.

• Identify and connect with top basketball talent across Japan early, building authentic, long-term relationships.
• Manage the athlete and team portfolio by balancing investments and divestments to maximize impact and build a strong, future-ready roster.
• Leverage trusted relationships and credibility to establish NIKE as a preferred partner among Japan's top basketball talent.
• Manage athlete and team servicing needs, including product seeding, contractual commitments, and event execution.
• Collaborate closely with Brand Marketing, Product, and cross-functional partners to amplify athlete moments and unlock business growth.
• Oversee budgets, contracts, reporting, and compliance requirements with discipline and accuracy.
• Develop and evolve the Japan Basketball Sports Marketing strategy, aligning global priorities with local insights and opportunities.

• Minimum 5–6 years of experience in sports marketing, brand marketing, athlete management, sponsorship, partnerships, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Sports Management, communications or equivalent practical experience.
• Deep expertise in Japan's basketball and broader sports landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain trusted partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled negotiator with sound judgment and the ability to drive strategic decisions in dynamic environments.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in both English and Japanese.