Director of Community Impact

The Director of Community Impact serves as a key leader in advancing Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) mission to positively impact the Charlotte region and great Carolinas through strategic philanthropy, community engagement and program development.

Reporting to the SVP of Community Impact & Executive Director of Hornets Foundation, you will oversee the design and execution of community-facing initiatives, manage cross-functional collaboration and expand the reach and relevance throughout North and South Carolina. This role drives strategic engagement that enhances brand reputation, deepens community partnerships, and delivers measurable social impact.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement and manage Community Impact strategies aligned with organizational goals and community needs.
• Direct and mentor Community Impact team members, building leadership capacity, fostering a culture of accountability, and aligning efforts with organizational values and community needs.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with civic leaders, school districts, nonprofit executives and policymakers across the Carolinas.
• Serve as a public-facing leader of the organization in regional coalitions, community events, media engagements and philanthropic initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with the Corporate Partnerships team to:
  • Ensure all contractually obligated community activations and partner events are executed at a high standard and aligned with both Community Impact and brand goals.
  • Brainstorm and implement new community-focused initiatives that leverage existing and potential partner relationships.
  • Identify and propose innovative ways to expand the Hornets’ community reach through strategic partner programming.
• Oversee the design, execution, and evaluation of impactful community programs aligned with the Community Impact pillars and organization goals.
• Ensure all initiatives are inclusive, data-driven, and reflective of the diverse needs of the Charlotte community and broader Carolinas.
• Manage the department budget, ensuring financial responsibility and effective resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with NBA Cares requirements, nonprofit best practices and all relevant regulations.
• Demonstrate professionalism and uphold HSE brand standards in all interactions and deliverables

Required Skills, Experience, and Abilities

To perform the job successfully, you should demonstrate the following competencies associated with the essential functions of this job.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, public policy, business, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in nonprofit leadership or community relations, with proven success in strategic planning, fundraising and cross-sector collaboration.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of scaling programs and partnerships.
• Skilled communicator and public speaker with executive presence.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing high-performing teams, with a strong ability to coach, mentor, and lead through change.
• Proven ability to foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture while maintaining high standards of accountability and execution.
• Strong understanding of regional dynamics in North and South Carolina.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for social impact and alignment with the values of HSE.
• Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences and platforms.
• Strong team collaboration skills and the ability to lead cross-functional projects.
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and select holidays, as well as occasional travel for events, meetings and conferences.

Additional Information

This is a full time benefit eligible position. HSE is dedicated to creating and upholding a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity.

HSE provides valuable benefits and competitive time off policies to help you and your family lead healthy, balanced lives.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All requests for medical or religious accommodations to perform the stated job duties will be considered.

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