From Courtside Moments to Career Momentum

It’s not hard to see how much we value our customers here at DraftKings. Meet Paul, a Player Development Manager who’s spent the last five years building unforgettable experiences for our players. Along the way, he’s grown his career just as fast as the team around him. We asked Paul three questions to show you what it really looks like to build a high-impact career at DraftKings.

How does DraftKings support your career growth? 

I began my journey at DraftKings as a Player Development Executive (PDE), where my primary focus was building and maintaining relationships with our players in New Jersey. This role not only introduced me to the sports and entertainment industry but also provided valuable insight into our customers and what they value most in their experiences. 

After my time as a PDE, I transitioned into management as the Assistant Manager of our New York team. In that role, I coached and developed our Loyalty Team. Most recently, I became the Manager of Player Development for the New Jersey team, overseeing a larger portion of our operations. 

When I first started at DraftKings, there were just 15 people on the PD team. We met once a week and felt like one small, tight-knit family. Today, while we still have that same sense of family, we’ve evolved into a large, dynamic team with incredible groups operating across states throughout the country.

My growth path is a testament to our culture. People genuinely want you to succeed. Through open conversations with leadership about my career goals, I was continuously given new challenges and responsibilities to prepare me for future opportunities. With consistent coaching, candid feedback, and a supportive team environment, I’ve been able to grow into the role I proudly hold today.

Why is joining our loyalty team such a great opportunity? 

While we’re a leader in the industry, we’re not done growing. The gaming industry as a whole still has tremendous potential, and being part of that evolution is an incredible feeling.

What truly sets DraftKings apart is the culture. The best part about my team is the camaraderie we share. Working with other departments is seamless, and there’s a genuine eagerness across the company to support one another. We thrive off the friendly competition, but we’re also rooting for everyone’s success. A culture like that is truly invaluable. From a management perspective, having the opportunity to coach and mentor our teammates every day, helping them grow both personally and professionally, is incredibly rewarding.

My favorite moment from the last five years was when we sat courtside at a Knicks playoff game at Madison Square Garden. It was an unforgettable experience not only for my career, but for our customers as well. 

What advice would you give candidates looking to join our team?

We live in a world where much of our interaction happens through computer screens. Strong interpersonal skills, clear communication, and professional maturity go a long way in establishing credibility and trust. In this role, we often trust someone to represent DraftKings in high-profile settings.  Whether it’s in a suite or courtside with our customers, it’s essential that top candidates demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and maturity throughout the entire interview process. 

One value I look for in candidates is their ability to demonstrate ownership and initiative. In the roles of PD executives and hosts, the ability to manage day-to-day autonomy, especially in a work-from-home environment, is crucial. Those who approach their work with an ownership mindset tend to find tremendous success. 

Paul’s final thoughts? “DraftKings has never felt like a place where I’m just counting down the hours until 5 p.m. It’s a place that constantly challenges and inspires me.” 

Could you make a great fit on our team? Check out our open roles.