The Associate Manager Programming supports the planning, execution, and maintenance of network programming schedules across ESPN platforms. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate schedule implementation, coordinating network-level graphics elements, managing programming adjustments, and supporting long-term strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate combines strong organizational skills, operational excellence, ability to communicate with executive level leadership, and a passion for sports and television programming.
Responsibilities:
Programming & Scheduling Operations
- Learn and apply network scheduling guidelines, operating procedures, and conditions philosophies.
- Populate join-in-progress (JIP) points and other critical on-air network information within scheduling systems such as NCS and Content Scheduler.
- Monitor scheduled programming and support the execution of schedule changes as needed.
- Prepare and distribute reports documenting programming and content decisions for department-wide communication.
Content Coordination
- Collaborate with the Content Strategy team to develop alternate programming solutions when schedule disruptions occur, including events that conclude earlier than expected.
- Provide operational support to ensure programming continuity across networks and platforms.
Network Graphics & Presentation
- Manage planning and execution of network-level graphics initiatives, including:
- Navigation pane coordination
- Bottom-line takeovers
- Other network presentation elements that support viewer navigation and engagement
Strategic Projects & Stakeholder Support
- Assist with long-term programming strategy and operational improvement projects.
- Attend sport-specific, project, and operational meetings as assigned, providing scheduling and conditions-related input and follow-up.
- Perform shift-specific responsibilities and other duties as assigned by management.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum 2 years of experience working in television production.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of television operations and scheduling processes.
- Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Creative thinker with strong analytical skills and the ability to develop innovative solutions.
- Passion for sports and broad knowledge of sports rules and events.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Broadcasting, Media Studies, or a related field.
- Minimum 4 years of experience in television programming, production, operations, affiliate relations, media scheduling, or a related area.
- In-depth knowledge of schedule change procedures and broadcast operations.
- Experience working with scheduling systems such as NCS, Content Scheduler, or similar broadcast planning tools.
- Highly organized and detail oriented.
- Thrives in a deadline-driven, live-event environment.
- Strong collaborator who can effectively work across content, programming, and operations teams.
- Demonstrates sound judgment and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Passionate about delivering a seamless viewer experience through accurate and efficient programming execution.
#ESPNMedia
The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT is $$65,300.00 to $87,500.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
Posted by ESPN. SportsCareers is a job board, not the employer. Applying takes you to their official careers page.