Manager Programming

About the Team: The ESPN Programming & Acquisitions team is pivotal in shaping the network’s sports content strategy. Our responsibilities include:

• Content Strategy & Scheduling: Design and manage programming schedules across ESPN’s platforms (linear, digital, and streaming) to ensure optimal placement of live events, studio shows, and original content, maximizing audience engagement.
• Rights Acquisition: Negotiate and secure broadcast and digital rights for a diverse range of sports properties, including professional leagues, collegiate athletics, international competitions, and emerging sports.
• Partnership Management: Collaborate with leagues, teams, and governing bodies to maintain strong relationships and ensure successful execution of contractual obligations.
• Audience & Market Analysis: Utilize data-driven insights to guide programming decisions, identify growth opportunities, and adapt to shifting viewer preferences and consumption habits.
• Cross-Platform Integration: Coordinate with other ESPN departments (e.g., production, marketing, digital) to deliver cohesive and compelling content experiences across all platforms.
• Innovation & Expansion: Explore new sports, formats, and technologies to expand ESPN’s portfolio and stay ahead of industry trends.

About the Role: As the Programming Manager, you will oversee the men’s and women’s college basketball and high school sports programming team. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting in the strategic approach to building ESPN’s men’s and women’s college basketball linear programming schedule.
• Maintaining ESPN’s college basketball programming schedules.
• Serving as a liaison between programming and various partner conferences.
• Researching and staying current on team projections and potential audience deliveries.
• Collaborating with the associate manager to serve as a liaison between the college basketball programming team and various internal departments.
• Overseeing the internal scheduling processes for men’s and women’s college basketball in internal systems.
• Working closely with the digital team to ensure men’s and women’s basketball from partner conferences are inputted accurately.
• Leading efforts in high school programming strategy.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience
• Strong knowledge of sports television, the sports business, and the cable industry.
• Experience in college basketball operations or a similar role
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Understanding of the scope and operations of ESPN networks.
• Knowledge of the television programming industry, focusing on the sports programming business and network and cable properties.
• Awareness of industry trends and competitor developments.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Willingness to work some nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in television contract negotiations with the ability to read and interpret contracts.
• Knowledge of college basketball.
• Familiarity with Content Scheduler, NCS system, or other ORACLE-related computer systems.
• Minimum of 7 years' experience in television programming or a related sports business field.
• Experience working with legal contracts.

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree

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