Director, Local Media Distribution

MLB’s Content Distribution team is responsible for the distribution and monetization of MLB Media’s local rights, MLB’s Direct-to-Consumer products, and MLB/NHL Network across both traditional and digital platforms. We are seeking a candidate at the Director level at MLB Network to lead and support distribution of MLB Media’s growing portfolio of MLB club rights from a partnership management and strategic/deal execution perspective.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in structuring and executing linear and digital distribution deals across both traditional and virtual MVPDs and direct-to-consumer products.

• Working closely with other members of the Content Distribution team to develop MLB’s ongoing strategy with respect to local rights distribution, including creation of executive-level presentations and research.
• Preparation of deal materials leading up to and throughout key renewals.
• Negotiation and execution of linear distribution agreements with traditional and virtual MVPDs.
• Ongoing fulfillment and support of existing partnerships.
• Day-to-day management of assigned corporate and all regional MVPD accounts.
• Spearhead the planning and governance of OTA promotional game packages, overseeing strategic direction and serving as a liaison between MLB and the MLB local clubs.
• Source new business and distribution opportunities across linear and digital partners.
• Provide analytical support for senior executive team.
• Collaborate closely with MLB Local Media, MLB Network, and NHL Network stakeholders to support and oversee partner-facing initiatives across linear and digital platforms. Serve as a key cross-functional liaison between distribution, marketing, and external partners to review, align on, and approve partner marketing submissions, ensuring consistency with MLB guidelines and brand standards.
• Foster and maintain relationships with marketing/ad sales contacts and decision-makers at corporate, region, division and system levels.
• Work closely with affiliates to help leverage the partnership and maximize promotion, tune-in and awareness of MLB local clubs, MLB Network and NHL Network.
• Strategically develop and execute local ad sales and corporate promotional programs and campaigns to help affiliates maximize value from network.
• Represent company effectively and travel extensively to perform assigned functions at trade shows, conferences, baseball/hockey games, etc.
• Other such duties as required.

• A minimum of 10+ years of experience in virtual/traditional MVPD partnerships and marketing, sports media, and/or media strategy is required.
• Experience in local/RSN linear rights negotiations with traditional and virtual MVPDs.
• Strong understanding of and experience with deal structuring within the linear local sports media landscape.
• Prior experience and working knowledge of legal contracts and ability to successfully negotiate deals to completion.
• Strong industry relationships built over years of partner management and deal negotiations.
• Candidate must be proficient in Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must possess a high level of attention to detail and superior follow up skills.
• Must be available evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Individual must work well in a dynamic environment and be able to recommend and implement process improvements.
• Demonstrate the tact, diplomacy, decisiveness, and superior people skills required in the pressurized environment of the live sports media industry.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously in a demanding, fast-paced, high-exposure environment.
• Ability to organize and schedule work effectively.
• Ability to work well independently and under time constraints.
• Strong leadership experience.
• Curious businessperson with the ability to develop creative solutions.
• Great teammate with strong project management and organizational skills.
• Positive can-do attitude with demonstrated creativity, initiative and persistence.
• Ability to persuade and resolve problems in a professional manner.
• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Pos…