Director of Game Presentation

The Charlotte Hornets are seeking a collaborative and creative leader to direct and execute all programming and entertainment elements for Hornets home games and live events. Reporting to the SVP, Fan Experience & Live Production, this role works in close partnership with the Sr. Director of Live Production to deliver a cohesive, high-energy, and best-in-class in-arena experience. This position serves as the strategic and creative lead for game presentation, overseeing all live entertainment elements, fan engagement initiatives, and in-game storytelling. The Director will collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Brand, Revenue, Partnerships, Creative, and Content teams to ensure alignment across organizational priorities while continuously evolving the fan experience through innovation, audience insights, and entertainment trends. Core Values The Charlotte Hornets organization embodies the following core values Integrity Teamwork Competitiveness Candor Accountability Resilience Essential Duties and Responsibilities Lead and manage full-time and part-time Game Presentation staff, including stage managers, mascot performers, emcees, dance teams, and entertainment groups. Drive the creative vision and execution of all Hornets game presentation elements, including scripting, music direction, timing, and in-game storytelling. Own and execute the overall run of show, ensuring a seamless, engaging, and high-energy fan experience aligned with organizational brand and business objectives. Develop innovative fan engagement concepts, entertainment formats, and interactive experiences that elevate the in-arena atmosphere. Oversee the planning and execution of theme nights, organizational initiatives, halftime entertainment, and special event programming. Partner with Marketing, Brand, Revenue, and Partnerships teams to seamlessly integrate sponsorship activations, campaigns, and messaging into the live experience. Maintain strong awareness of current trends in sports, music, entertainment, and pop culture to keep programming fresh, relevant, and culturally connected. Oversee concourse, plaza, and exterior entertainment activations to ensure a consistent and immersive arena-wide experience. Manage and track Game Presentation budgets, including entertainment, talent, production, and freelance expenses. Lead the creative development and strategic utilization of team entertainment properties, including Hugo, Honey Bees, and Hive Entertainment. Establish and monitor performance metrics to evaluate and continuously improve fan engagement and in-game entertainment effectiveness. Utilize fan feedback, audience research, and performance data to inform creative strategy and programming decisions. Collaborate closely with Live Production, Creative, and Video teams to ensure alignment between creative concepts and execution of all video, motion graphics, and visual content. Mentor, coach, and develop staff while fostering a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing culture. Support additional organizational and live event initiatives as assigned. Required Skills, Experience and Abilities To perform the job successfully, you will have or demonstrate the following skills and abilities: Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Communications, Marketing, Entertainment, Production, or related field preferred. Minimum of 7 years of experience in game presentation, live entertainment, sports production, or related field. Demonstrated success leading live show direction, entertainment programming, and storytelling in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. Strong creative instincts with a proven ability to develop engaging fan experiences and entertainment concepts. Experience integrating sponsorships, revenue initiatives, and business objectives into live content and entertainment programming. Ability to interpret research, fan insights, and performance data and translate findings into actionable creative strategies. Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate creative concepts and vision to stakeholders. Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence and build relationships across departments. High attention to detail and commitment to operational and executional excellence. Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop creative and entertainment-focused teams. Ability to remain calm and make decisions quickly in a live-event environment. Willingness to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and all Hornets home games and events. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with live event production systems and workflows preferred.