Manager Programming

Job Summary:

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 work streams 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…