Coordinating Producer I

Coordinating Producer I is responsible for the creative development, preparation, strategy, and execution of the storytelling elements produced by our enhanced editing teams (SCEU [Sportscenter Enhancement Unit] and RISE).  CP I will be responsible for leading the day-to-day of both teams and will work to align and maximize the collective resources of these 2 teams. The CP will work alongside leaders in studio to make sure the content is relevant and maximized in the best way. This CP I role includes standard ESPN content executive management responsibilities such as overseeing and developing staff, setting editorial direction, navigating complex production workflows, managing budget performance, and ensuring staff is compliant and ethical in all corporate processes.

Responsibilities:

• Help develop a strategy and plan for aligning the SCEU and RISE enhancement teams to better maximize the collective staff and resources.  

• Plan and coordinate memorable storytelling elements presented as both short and long form content, for both predictive and reactive scenarios and timelines.  

• Pitch, project, and collaborate with show leaders to meet their needs and guide content opportunities on sports calendar.  Collaborate with show groups, sport group leaders, clients, and stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations.  Ensure the selection of content is consistent with ESPN viewer trends; drives content by applying sound editorial judgment.  Understands what content is compelling and relevant to shows and actively suggests appropriate ideas.

• Maintain breaking sports news plan for edit team to react with quick-turn editorial pieces as news cycle dictates.

• Oversee the production process of elements from start to finish, ensuring all projects are completed on time and within budget and resources allocated.

• Communicate and maintain a solid but nimble production and personnel plan.  Be prepared for regular changes in day-to-day operations as production priorities, corporate shifts, or personnel decisions impact the content, the team, or the production timelines.  Stay connected with other departments and teams to ensure seamless communication and adapt, as necessary.

• Assess, prioritize, develop, and implement production schedules and timelines.

• Assess, prioritize, manage, and allocate resources with “content first” needs in mind. 

• Ensure content is compliant with industry production standards and regulations.  Troubleshoot and resolve any production-related issues and work with partners across the org to ensure studio edit enhancement teams are accounted for in resourcing and heard in feedback exchange on tech and content issues.

• Pitch and predict potential integration opportunities with other ESPN platforms, especially on high rated air opportunities or larger corporate priority events.

• Oversee all team personnel schedules and assignments with management team.

• Supervise and mentor junior production staff, oversee management team.

• Maintain and update production documentation, regular communications, record keeping and content archiving. 

• Responsible spending and tracking in budgeting at every stage; projection through actualization.

• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to support a collaborative, around-the-clock production environment.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years progressively complex related studio or related journalistic experience.

• Established expertise in creating and producing compelling edited sports content.

• Knowledge of studio production management workflows, broadcast formats, and execution.

• Skilled in organization, communication, writing, and editing (including copy editing). Expert communication skills in clear written, verbal, and interpersonal communications.   

• Technical knowledge of production scenarios and workflows for typical storytelling shoots.

• Technical knowledge and experience in post-production workflows including all edit platforms, high end animation platforms, audio finishing, color correct and video finishing.

• Compliant with leading a team abiding by legal, ethical, and business standards.  This includes rights and clearances, all corporate policies and HR guidelines.

• Remain up to date with sports headlines, music trends, pop culture trends, social media trends and understanding of sports history, sports fans’ tastes, and topics.

• Skilled at collaborating across multiple departments, identifying efficiencies, and leveraging resources to break down corporate silos and streamline proprietary information.

• Experience in mentoring emerging producers required.

• Experience working in a deadline -oriented environment focused on quick turnarounds required. 

• Familiarity with sports and sports history.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Good understanding of ESPN's market positioning strategies and corporate priorities.  Foresight in how teams can impact larger corporate goals. i.e. good understanding of DTC workflows and functionality and how content might impact the user experience. 

• Understanding of the business in hiring vendors and individuals, crewing, union restrictions, workforce classifications from planning & pitching to delivery & disclosures for complex content.  This includes compliance, budgeting, and legal responsibilities.

• Leadership skills with the ability to provide constructive feedback, handle tough messaging, navigate across departments in personnel and business needs.

• Advanced technical knowledge in complex production scenarios and new technologies (AR/ VR/ XR, GenAI, acquisition for VFX production workflow, Cloud edit, HDR)

Education:

• Required: Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, broadcasting, communications, or sports management.

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