Statistics Analyst II

Departmental Summary:

ESPN’s Stats & Information Group produces world-class data, insights and storytelling to ensure sports fans trust ESPN for depth and perspective. We are All-Star Teammates who Focus on Quality and drive Innovation. And every day, we strive to be Curious, Inclusive, and Accountable, all while Sweating the Details and Serving Sports Fans by Being One.

Position Summary:

Stats Analyst II is an entry-level role on the Stats & Analysis team within ESPN’s Stats & Information Group. You will develop and apply high-level knowledge of the tasks, assignments, and duties that are part of production in the Stats & Analysis newsroom. In support of the team’s mission of providing accurate, timely, and insightful sports data to ESPN platforms worldwide, you will collaborate with and often lead peers and part-time employees and contribute to their and the team’s continual growth.

You should have an in-depth knowledge of and/or appetite for the statistics, current events, and scorekeeping rules for the sports that Stats & Analysis covers – which is most of them! You will apply that knowledge - and demonstrate leadership - in a collaborative, energetic, and fun newsroom environment that values attention to detail, critical thinking, innovation, and teamwork. Your production roles will require the quick identification and resolution of issues that will ensure the delivery of timely, accurate data to fans and partners. Your resourcefulness and communication in addressing these and other challenges will be a defining trait of your success.

A successful Stats Analyst II has a passion for sports statistics and the stories they tell. Your recognition of statistical events that help explain why a team won or lost will help tell the stories that support ESPN shows and experiences across studio and event production, as well as digital and social media.

Candidates with specialized training, skills, and knowledge – such as in advanced mathematics, economics, databases, SQL programming, etc. – will find these skills useful in support of Stats & Information projects and storytelling.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure sports data distributed by Stats & Information is accurate, timely, and insightful.
• Contribute to the development of others by offering feedback and taking advantage of coaching opportunities.
• Work in individual settings and in groups to deliver accurate play-by-play, clock-and-score, and other statistics and data in real time that power a multitude of ESPN products and productions.
• Verify the results of one’s own work and that of others; perform with a consistently high attention to detail and urgency.
• Contribute to production, projects, and initiatives across the newsroom, and assist newsroom leaders who are directing full- and part-time staff.
• Perform leadership roles in the newsroom by directing and leading full- and part-time staff, and hold fellow employees accountable for their performance.
• Anticipate potential problems, both nightly and long-term, and offer potential solutions. Communicate quickly and decisively with colleagues on these issues.
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of Stats & Information’s role in powering ESPN digital products and TV productions, and regularly propose new or more efficient ways statistics can be utilized in ESPN storytelling and products.
• Take a proactive role in working with colleagues to develop or refine production processes.
• Be an active participant in team and department meetings.

Qualifications:

• 1+ years’ working in sports, statistics, or related field, preferably in media.
• Broad knowledge of sports statistics, current events, and scorekeeping rules for the sports covered by Stats & Analysis.
• Experience producing and/or using data to create content executions, analyze trends, or gain insights.
• Proven ability to achieve a high degree of accuracy in time-sensitive or pressurized situations.
• Proven ability to communicate assertively and effectively – verbally and in writing.
• Full availability for this position, which certainly will include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1+ years’ working in a sports data and information-focused role in media, team sports (pro/college), or other sports industry field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel as a data management tool.
• Experience working with data feeds, data warehouses, and custom software tools.
• Knowledge of uses and trends in sports analytics, including the use and application of player tracking data.
• Experience collaborating with multiple departments.
• Broad knowledge of how sports data is used in media and for research purposes.
• Broad knowledge of ESPN products, productions, and related businesses.
• Experience leading or coaching a team.
• Ability to speak and write Spanish

Required Education:

High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education:

College degree or equivalent

Additional Information: (i.e. physical requirements, holiday, nights, weekend shifts, etc.)

Position works nights (almost exclusively), weekends, and holidays.