The Producer II (Event) is responsible for leading the creative development, editorial strategy, collaboration with talent and production personnel, and budgetary and administrative oversight for all aspects of the production and execution of assigned sports events. This role serves as a senior production leader, accountable for the overall quality, editorial direction, and presentation of assigned telecasts from concept through execution. The Producer II independently leads complex live event productions, drives storytelling and content decisions, manages cross-functional production teams, and ensures broadcasts meet ESPN’s editorial, creative, and operational standards. The Producer II is expected to influence production strategy, mentor production staff, and deliver compelling, innovative content that enhances the viewer experience while supporting ESPN’s ratings, viewership, and business objectives.
In partnership with senior production leadership (Coordinating Producers and Vice Presidents), leads the development of editorial strategies, storytelling approaches, and innovative content concepts that elevate live sports programming and enhance the overall viewer experience.
Independently plans, coordinates, and oversees the full scope of event production activities for complex live sports productions, a large full time, temporary and/or matrixed staff of production personnel, technicians, and other professionals accountable for program development and production; Directs assigned production personnel in all aspects of live event production.
Directs all production planning and operational activities for assigned events, including establishing production schedules, determining broadcast formats, managing production workflows, identifying technical requirements, and overseeing the execution of production assets across multiple platforms and delivery models.
Leads and mentors production teams (e.g., APs, CAs, PAs, and Producer I staff) in the development and execution of teases, opens, bumps, graphics, feature integrations, live event elements, and other editorial content that enhances telecast quality.
Serves as a key editorial partner to on-air talent, providing strategic guidance, content direction, and performance feedback to maximize storytelling effectiveness and viewer engagement.
Collaborates with production and technical leadership to ensure all aspects of event coverage meet or exceed ESPN's creative, editorial, and operational standards.
Organizes, structures, and leads editorial and production meetings, driving alignment on event coverage strategies, production priorities, and storytelling approaches.
Fosters a highly collaborative, inclusive, and accountable team environment while promoting excellence, innovation, and consistent execution across all areas of production.
Oversees the implementation of critical production decisions before, during, and after live events, including replay philosophy, graphics integration, interview strategies, sponsorship requirements, promotional elements, and execution of established production priorities.
Directs the real-time editorial vision and content execution of assigned live event telecasts, making critical decisions regarding storylines, replay selection, graphic elements, announcer information, and overall presentation.
Independently produces assigned sports telecasts while exercising advanced editorial judgment and decision-making authority, with strategic guidance from Coordinating Producers and Vice Presidents as appropriate.
Evaluates production crew performance and provides detailed, constructive feedback to improve execution, strengthen accountability, and support individual and team development.
Demonstrates leadership in high-pressure production environments, building strong relationships across teams while fostering professionalism, communication, and collaboration.
Directly supports and develops assigned employees through coaching, performance management, career development planning, and ongoing feedback.
Mentors and develops production staff by encouraging innovation, creative problem-solving, and continuous improvement while helping build future production leadership talent.
Leads creative, content, operational, and budget-related decision-making for assigned productions, balancing editorial objectives, production quality, resource allocation, and business priorities.
Resolves complex content, operational, technical, and logistical challenges by collaborating with internal partners, remote operations teams, vendors, and external stakeholders.
Contributes to department-wide initiatives, best practices, workflow improvements, and strategic planning discussions while actively participating in production reviews and feedback sessions.
Identifies opportunities to improve production efficiency, innovate workflows, and enhance storytelling techniques across assigned sports and events.
Serves as a trusted production leader and subject matter expert for assigned sports, providing guidance and support during high-profile, complex, or unique production scenarios.
Demonstrated ability to independently create, lead, and produce compelling live sporting event telecasts, driving productions from concept and strategic planning through execution and post-event evaluation.
Advanced knowledge of sports production models, including on-site, REMI/remote, hybrid, and emerging production workflows, with the ability to successfully line produce complex live events.
Expert knowledge of real-time live sports production, including replay production, graphics integration, event timing, editorial decision-making, and technical coordination.
Proven leadership, organizational, communication, and project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage competing priorities, and perform effectively in high-pressure environments.
Demonstrated ability to identify, develop, and execute compelling storylines, editorial concepts, and innovative production elements that enhance audience engagement.
Extensive knowledge of assigned sports, including rules, athletes, storylines, competitive structures, and industry trends that directly inform production and editorial decisions.
Strong understanding of production budgeting, staffing, resource allocation, and operational logistics required to deliver high-quality live event productions.
Proven ability to manage complex production challenges, mitigate risks, and make effective real-time decisions during live broadcasts.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with talent, league representatives, teams, venues, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing production staff, including Associate Producers, Production Assistants, and Producer I-level employees.
Ability to influence production strategy, improve workflows, and contribute to department-wide operational and creative initiatives.
A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible and increasingly complex remote, on-site, or live sports production experience, including experience leading major live event productions and cross-functional teams.
The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT is $139,200to $186,600per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
