Production Assistant, 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.

As part of ESPN NEXT, you’ll join a dynamic team of early-career professionals producing must-see content across ESPN’s shows, live events, digital/social, and audio platforms. Sports don’t sleep, and neither does the adrenaline of live production. Whether you’re cutting highlights at dawn, gearing up for primetime, capturing the game-winner on a holiday, or identifying moments that will go viral on social, you’ll be right in the middle of the action! If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, this is your chance to be part of the team that brings sports storytelling to life 24/7.

This posting is for future ESPN NEXT cohorts.

What is ESPN NEXT?

• Full-time Production Assistant role built for someone starting a career in sports media and content creation. 
• Begin your career at ESPN as a Production Assistant with eligibility for promotion to Content Associate. Promotion eligibility 4 times per year – promotions based on performance.
• Produce content for countless ESPN live events, shows, and platforms.
• Opportunity to enhance career through development courses.
• Paired with a mentor to get you acclimated to ESPN.

Responsibilities could include: *(prior to any functions listed below, in-depth training is provided)

• Support production and content creation for domestic and global properties for all sports.
• Consistently share creative and innovative ideas to contribute to ESPN’s multi-platform storytelling.
• Edit video & audio elements and research content for a variety of shows/networks.
• Run audio board loading playlists, log commercials, sales and promos for multi-platform broadcasts.
• Coordinate graphics for assigned studio telecasts and/or remote live events.
• Produce variety of elements: highlights, teases, opens, and montages for shows, live events and digital platforms.
• Assist with live events by gathering video and sponsorship elements for broadcasts.

Qualifications: (required)

• Will work nights, mornings, weekends, and holidays
• Conversational knowledge of multiple sports, especially sports heavily covered by ESPN (i.e. NBA/WNBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, College Football and Basketball).
• Enthusiasm and passion for sports.
• Ability to comfortably prepare and contribute ideas.
• Must possess professional communication and organization skills.
• React quickly and positively while staying composed under tight deadlines in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Self-starting attitude and team-oriented work ethic.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within a live sports, news, or entertainment environment.
• Experience with video editing software (i.e. Adobe Premiere, Final Cut etc.).
• Awareness of ESPN content (i.e. platforms, shows, events, etc.).
• Awareness of media trends (i.e. social, digital, linear, etc.).
• Leadership experience in a professional role, organization, or extra-curricular endeavor.

Required Education (required)

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience

Additional Information: Will work nights, mornings, weekends, and holidays

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