Manager Programming

Programming Manager

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.

• Act as a subject matter expert for sports programming strategy, providing guidance on content planning, scheduling, and prioritization across ESPN platforms.
• 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.
• Contribute to rights acquisition and support negotiations by helping interpret contracts, tracking key terms, and ensuring programming plans align with rights obligations and opportunities.
• Collaborate with leagues, teams, and internal partners to maintain strong relationships and ensure successful execution of programming and contractual commitments.
• Leverage audience & market analysis to inform scheduling decisions, identify growth opportunities, and respond to evolving fan behavior and consumption trends.
• Coordinate cross-platform integration by working closely with production, marketing, digital, and other departments to deliver cohesive, compelling content experiences for fans.
• Explore new sports, formats, and technologies to support innovation and expansion of ESPN's programming portfolio and fan engagement strategies.
• Lead functional projects or workstreams with moderate complexity, aligning plans and priorities with organizational goals and clearly communicating expectations and outcomes to stakeholders.
• 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.
• Ensure high standards of organization, attention to detail, and confidentiality in managing schedules, rights information, and internal communications.
• Support the Programming & Acquisitions team's work on key properties including the NBA, WNBA, and Professional Lacrosse to deliver extraordinary fan experiences.

Required Qualifications:

• 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.
• Strong knowledge of sports television, the sports business, and the cable or streaming industry, including understanding of ESPN's services and network operations.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and prioritize work, manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, and align programming decisions with organizational goals.
• 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.
• Proven collaboration and relationship-building skills, with experience working across departments and with external partners or rights holders in a team-oriented environment.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail, including experience handling confidential information and interpreting or working with contracts.
• Awareness of industry trends, competitor developments, and evolving media consumption patterns, particularly in sports.
• Comfort working some nights and weekends as dictated by live sports schedules and business needs.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, train, and guide others, holding self and teammates accountable to commitments while demonstrating care and compassion.
• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Media, Communications, Sports Management, Business, or related discipline).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of basketball and related properties (e.g., professional and collegiate leagues) and familiarity with broader global sports landscapes.
• Experience in television contract negotiations and working with legal contracts, including comfort reading and interpreting rights agreements.
• Familiarity with Content Scheduler, NCS, ORACLE-related systems, or similar scheduling and rights management tools.
• Advanced proficiency with audience metrics and data analysis, translating insights into actionable programming and merchandising strategies.

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.

About ESPN:

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That's because we're always finding new ways to interact with fans however and wherever they connect with sports. Every day we're doing things that no one has done, all in a dynamic culture where we defy odds and continuously outdo ourselves. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney's stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with ESPN Productions, Inc, which is part of a business we call ESPN.

ESPN Productions, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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