Sports Programming & Acquisitions Manager – ESPN

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The Sports Programming & Acquisitions Manager is an important role within ESPN’s ANZ operations. The role has broad responsibilities in supporting ESPN’s the acquisition of sports rights, managing partnerships with ESPN’s league and distribution partners, compiling and sharing rights and research information throughout the wider business.  

This person will work closely with teams based in Sydney, Melbourne and the US, with our leagues & agencies, and our channel distribution partners.

This role requires expert knowledge of the Australian and international sports landscape, experience negotiating and interpreting sports content licensing agreements and experience managing partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

Content

• Contribute to the programming strategy for ESPN’s video platforms
• Communicate programming priorities and performance reports on a regular basis to the wider business
• Identify programming acquisition or production opportunities and be capable of managing through to execution
• Liaise with production department on creation and delivery of content.
• Analyse data to improve viewership
• Work closely with Disney+ programming, Production, Ad Sales, Research, Creative and Marketing to supply information and achieve cross-business priorities
• Communicate with ESPN Network Control to coordinate the implementation of the schedule

Rights Support

• Maintain and disseminate deal/rights summary documents
• Answer day-to-day rights and schedule questions from various departments
• Assemble audience data for periodic reporting to leagues
• Assist with competitive analysis and intelligence gathering

Partnerships

• Day-to-day management of partnerships with our channel distribution and programming partners (e.g. supplying schedule information, handling content requests)
• Identify areas to enhance the scope of partnerships

Cross-business planning & promotion

• Work cross-business to ensure ESPN content is well represented in cross-business planning
• Utilise relevant audience & platform insights to promote content

Ideal experience:

• Strong knowledge of the most popular Australian and International sports/leagues is essential
• 7+ years’ experience in content and/or partnership management, preferably within sports
• Extensive experience with contract negotiations and term sheets, and interpreting contract language
• Experience in a role that interacts with multiple lines of business each with differing needs
• Intimate understanding of the Australia/New Zealand television landscape, viewing trends and local sports scheduling on STV, SVOD and FTA
• Previous experience working within a global/regional company managing multiple stakeholders in different locations and time zones is a plus
• Experience in content production and/or live event operations is a plus

Additional Information:

This is unique opportunity to join the talented team that develops and delivers unparalleled entertainment across Australia and New Zealand so if this role captures your imagination, then apply now!

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. We are committed to building a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

The Walt Disney Company can provide individual accessibility support that may be needed during your interview process. Please let us know of accommodations that may assist in helping you feel welcome by emailing wdi.careers.au@disney.com.