Manager, ESPN NEXT

ESPN NEXT is the entry point for aspiring storytellers at ESPN, overseeing the hiring, development, assignment, and promotion of Production Assistants and Content Associates. With a focus on career growth, internal culture, and platform fluency, NEXT serves as both a launchpad for emerging talent and a content driver across ESPN platforms. Signature initiatives like the NEXT Accelerator identify and elevate top-performing employees through individualized coaching, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities, helping shape the future of ESPN and The Walt Disney Company.

The Manager, ESPN NEXT plays a key leadership role in delivering a dynamic, people-forward experience for Production Assistants and Content Associates at ESPN. This role supports several core pillars of the NEXT Program – including Talent Growth & Development, Multi-Platform Expansion, and Culture & Community – with a focus on building engaging learning experiences, enhancing internal culture, and driving operational efficiency. The Manager works cross-functionally with Content leaders and partners across ESPN to ensure alignment, access, and opportunity for early-career talent.

This role is responsible for end-to-end execution of training and development initiatives, including onboarding, technical training, and signature programs such as NEXT Level Development, the NEXT Summit, and the Accelerator. The Manager also oversees the systems, tools, and workflows that support seamless operations and exceptional experiences for early-career employees.

Responsibilities:

• Training Execution: Oversee and execute onboarding and training experiences that prepare early career talent for success, including new-hire training, assignment preparation, sports knowledge development, and emerging platform technologies.
• Development Initiatives: Plan and execute signature development initiatives such as NEXT Level Development, NEXT Summit, and Accelerator program.
• Operational Efficiency: Manage program operations and team workflows though systems like Smartsheet/Microsoft Teams, driving efficiency, visibility, and collaboration across the team.
• Platform Training: Leverage and train on production technologies such as Framelight X, QCut, WSC, and other platform-specific tools that align with evolving content and assignment needs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate cross-functionally with partners across Content, HR, and other key areas of ESPN to align training priorities, surface growth opportunities, and strengthen the employee experience.
• Assignment Expansion: Collaborate with NEXT leadership to identify and successfully onboard new assignments into the NEXT scope, including defining leadership expectations, training needs, and technology integration for each new opportunity.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in training, program management, talent development, or content operations, preferably within a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of production workflows, emerging technologies, and multi-platform content strategies across digital, and social platforms.
• Proven ability to design and implement training programs that are engaging, effective, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally to achieve shared objectives.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, including leadership and entry-level staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with early-career talent development programs or content-specific training initiatives.
• Familiarity with production technologies like Framelight X, QCut, WSC, and other industry-standard tools.
• Understanding of ESPN’s content strategy, key sports properties, and audience engagement across platforms.
• Experience with program management tools like Smartsheet, Microsoft Teams, or similar platforms to manage workflows and collaboration.
• Passion for mentorship, professional development, and creating pathways for career growth.

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s degree

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