The Programming Manager is a subject matter expert and experienced problem-solver who will build and maintain ESPN's sports programming strategies across platforms in a fast-paced, technology-driven, and highly innovative sports media environment. You will support content strategy and scheduling, collaborate across departments, and help ensure that ESPN delivers extraordinary, fan-focused programming experiences every day.
Responsibilities:
In this role, you will contribute to ESPN's Programming & Acquisitions strategy by designing and managing schedules, supporting rights and partnerships, and using data-driven insights to optimize fan engagement across linear, digital, and streaming platforms in a dynamic, innovative culture. As a skilled team player and lead, you will mentor others, guide complex decisions, and translate organizational goals into clear outcomes-making this role critical to how ESPN serves sports fans and grows its business.
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Act as a subject matter expert for sports programming strategy, providing guidance on content planning, scheduling, and prioritization across ESPN platforms.
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Support content strategy & scheduling by helping design and manage programming grids for live events, studio shows, and original content to maximize audience engagement and platform performance.
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Contribute to rights acquisition and support negotiations by helping interpret contracts, tracking key terms, and ensuring programming plans align with rights obligations and opportunities.
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Collaborate with leagues, teams, and internal partners to maintain strong relationships and ensure successful execution of programming and contractual commitments.
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Leverage audience & market analysis to inform scheduling decisions, identify growth opportunities, and respond to evolving fan behavior and consumption trends.
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Coordinate cross-platform integration by working closely with production, marketing, digital, and other departments to deliver cohesive, compelling content experiences for fans.
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Explore new sports, formats, and technologies to support innovation and expansion of ESPN's programming portfolio and fan engagement strategies.
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Lead functional projects or workstreams with moderate complexity, aligning plans and priorities with organizational goals and clearly communicating expectations and outcomes to stakeholders.
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Foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where Disney and ESPN values are lived every day, encouraging creative problem-solving, accountability, and open dialogue across the team.
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Ensure high standards of organization, attention to detail, and confidentiality in managing schedules, rights information, and internal communications.
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Support the Programming & Acquisitions team's work on key properties including the NBA, WNBA, and Professional Lacrosse to deliver extraordinary fan experiences.
Required Qualifications:
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Minimum 4 years of experience in television programming, sports media, or a closely related sports business field, with a track record as a skilled, experienced subject matter expert and problem-solver.
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Strong knowledge of sports television, the sports business, and the cable or streaming industry, including understanding of ESPN's services and network operations.
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Demonstrated ability to plan and prioritize work, manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, and align programming decisions with organizational goals.
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Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to explain difficult concepts and influence or negotiate with others to adopt different points of view.
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Proven collaboration and relationship-building skills, with experience working across departments and with external partners or rights holders in a team-oriented environment.
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Highly organized with strong attention to detail, including experience handling confidential information and interpreting or working with contracts.
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Awareness of industry trends, competitor developments, and evolving media consumption patterns, particularly in sports.
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Comfort working some nights and weekends as dictated by live sports schedules and business needs.
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Demonstrated ability to mentor, train, and guide others, holding self and teammates accountable to commitments while demonstrating care and compassion.
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Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Media, Communications, Sports Management, Business, or related discipline).
Preferred Qualifications:
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Deep knowledge of basketball and related properties (e.g., professional and collegiate leagues) and familiarity with broader global sports landscapes.
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Experience in television contract negotiations and working with legal contracts, including comfort reading and interpreting rights agreements.
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Familiarity with Content Scheduler, NCS, ORACLE-related systems, or similar scheduling and rights management tools.
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Advanced proficiency with audience metrics and data analysis, translating insights into actionable programming and merchandising strategies.
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The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT is $79,400.00 to $106,400.00 per 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.
