Part-Time Sports Content Researcher

Job Requirements

You have a head for stats, an eye for a great story, and the range as a writer to be creative and succinct -- and your passion for sports is the beating heart that fuels it all. This is the type of person who thrives as a Sports Content Researcher at ESPN. This position will work on NFL Network and other shows produced in Inglewood, CA, and be part of the company’s larger Research & Graphics squad – with staff also located in Bristol, CT and Charlotte, NC.

 

Our mission is simple to define but incredibly complex to deliver: Provide ESPN’s television, audio, digital and social platforms with statistics, context and historical perspectives that make our sports coverage as interesting to the sports fanatic as it is understandable to the casual observer. It’s no easy feat, but we do it 24/7, and we think we do it better than anyone else. If this sounds like you and you’re up for the challenge, please apply today!

 

Ok, it’s true: You’re in the office on Super Bowl Sunday. And for the NFL Draft. And the NFL schedule release. But the office is ESPN’s production center in Inglewood, CA, and you’re surrounded by people who share your passion. You’re a member of a tight squad of like-minded professionals who feed an endless flow of differentiating content that lands across ESPN platforms. Sports Content Researchers tap their existing reservoirs of knowledge and use ESPN’s vast resources – including access to world-class advanced metrics -- to hone in on the why and how of the sporting events that are most important to ESPN and sports fans. The NFL, college football, and the NBA are year-round staples, with significant coverage of the NHL, WNBA, and college basketball. Any sport could deliver the story of the day, week, or month.

 

Responsibilities

Many people say this, but in Research, it really is true: Sports news is constant, so no two days are the same. On any given day or night, you might:

 

• Create original full-screen graphics and anchor lead-ins for live shows such as those on NFL Network or any ESPN platform, using research you’ve done and copy you’ve written;
• Post the most relevant news on the ESPN BottomLine/NFL Network ticker – from Breaking News alerts to in-depth coverage and putting complex news stories into context;
• Put your deep knowledge to work to create game previews for shows that are informative, factually accurate, and unique enough that even die-hard sports fans really learn something;
• Collaborate with colleagues for every element of a studio show, from unearthing little-known facts to quickly bringing up relevant stats when things such as trades, coaching changes, or injuries are announced;
• Provide real-time updates for anchors and announcers while they are on the air;
• Flex your storytelling muscles by developing interesting segments, and help your colleagues flesh out their own ideas;
• ESPN is known for its cutting-edge graphics, and you will be one of the people who develop visually appealing, factually revealing visuals for our TV and digital feeds;
• Drop everything when news breaks and use your deep knowledge of advanced metrics, analytics, and research tools to create supporting content, often with a deadline of minutes or seconds!

Working in Research also means you:

• Work a schedule that will vary by month and/or season -- you’ll get to dive deeply into sports and have enough variety to keep your days and week fresh;
• Experience professional growth and development – in addition to onboarding, training, and coaching that is a constant, you’ll meet with your supervisor formally twice a month and receive quarterly performance updates.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year of related experience in sports, statistics, research, or a related field
• Full availability for this position to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Broad knowledge of most sports and deep knowledge of the NFL and several others, including awareness of current/historical sports statistics, milestones, news, and events
• Elite writing and grammar skills. Must have aptitude to research, write air-ready scripts for BottomLine as well as Event and Studio productions
• Must be able to communicate information accurately
• Must be able to adhere to strict deadlines and react to breaking news
• Must be able to follow all Disney, ESPN, and department policies and directives

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with statistics in an online, television, or print media environment
• Fluency in reading, speaking, and writing Spanish
• Demonstrated track record of training others and/or managing team-based projects

 

Required Education

• High School diploma or equivalent

 

Preferred Education

• College degree or equivalent

#ESPNMedia

Disclaimer

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The hiring range for this position in Los Angeles is $42,280 to $56,630 per year based on a 28 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. 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.

 

This position is with ESPN Productions, Inc, which is part of a business we call ESPN.

To learn more about Disney's guidelines on the use of AI for candidates, click here.

ESPN Productions, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.

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The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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