Manager Programming

Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10136185 Location Bristol, Connecticut, United States / Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Business ESPN Date posted Nov. 14, 2025

Job Summary:

About the Team: The ESPN Programming & Acquisitions team is pivotal in shaping the network’s sports content strategy. Our responsibilities include:

Content Strategy & Scheduling: Design and manage programming schedules across ESPN’s platforms (linear, digital, and streaming) to ensure optimal placement of live events, studio shows, and original content, maximizing audience engagement.
Rights Acquisition: Negotiate and secure broadcast and digital rights for a diverse range of sports properties, including professional leagues, collegiate athletics, international competitions, and emerging sports.
Partnership Management: Collaborate with leagues, teams, and governing bodies to maintain strong relationships and ensure successful execution of contractual obligations.
Audience & Market Analysis: Utilize data-driven insights to guide programming decisions, identify growth opportunities, and adapt to shifting viewer preferences and consumption habits.
Cross-Platform Integration: Coordinate with other ESPN departments (e.g., production, marketing, digital) to deliver cohesive and compelling content experiences across all platforms.
Innovation & Expansion: Explore new sports, formats, and technologies to expand ESPN’s portfolio and stay ahead of industry trends.

About the Role: As the Programming Manager, you will oversee the men’s and women’s college basketball and high school sports programming team. Your responsibilities will include:

Assisting in the strategic approach to building ESPN’s men’s and women’s college basketball linear programming schedule.
Maintaining ESPN’s college basketball programming schedules.
Serving as a liaison between programming and various partner conferences.
Researching and staying current on team projections and potential audience deliveries.
Collaborating with the associate manager to serve as a liaison between the college basketball programming team and various internal departments.
Overseeing the internal scheduling processes for men’s and women’s college basketball in internal systems.
Working closely with the digital team to ensure men’s and women’s basketball from partner conferences are inputted accurately.
Leading efforts in high school programming strategy.

Qualifications:

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience
Strong knowledge of sports television, the sports business, and the cable industry.
Experience in college basketball operations or a similar role
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels.
Understanding of the scope and operations of ESPN networks.
Knowledge of the television programming industry, focusing on the sports programming business and network and cable properties.
Awareness of industry trends and competitor developments.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Ability to handle confidential information.
Willingness to work some nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in television contract negotiations with the ability to read and interpret contracts.
Knowledge of college basketball.
Familiarity with Content Scheduler, NCS system, or other ORACLE-related computer systems.
Minimum of 7 years' experience in television programming or a related sports business field.
Experience working with legal contracts.

Required Education:

Bachelor’s Degree

#ESPNMedia

Manager Programming

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