Skip to main content

Associate Manager Programming

Job ID 10133340 Location Bristol, Connecticut, United States Business ESPN Date posted Oct. 15, 2025
Apply Now

Job Summary:

ESPN’s Direct to Consumer team oversees the content, performance, operations, strategic growth, and partnerships of ESPN’s Direct to Consumer services, including ESPN DTC and ESPN+.

The Associate Manager supports the ESPN Direct to Consumer team on the day-to-day management of our streaming content; contributes to strategic scheduling of that content across all platforms to maximize viewership and revenue for ESPN direct-to-consumer; and works collaboratively across all ESPN and Disney streaming departments to build strategies and workflows that maximize efficiency and performance across all ESPN networks and services.

Additionally, the Associate Manager will support the team in identifying and developing growth strategies, including operational efficiencies, offers, incentives, partnerships, and more, to acquire new users, increase engagement, and retain subscribers.

The right person for this role is a self-starter, eager to learn, well-versed in the streaming media ecosystem and experienced in navigating cross-functional relationships within and outside of an organization.  This person has exceptional communication and organizational skills and is able to work across stakeholders to build consensus around strategies and opportunities. This person will also have knowledge and interest direct-to-consumer technology, streaming, sports rights, and programming. This person thinks big, learns quickly, and approaches everything with enthusiasm. Finally, this person has an interest in adapting to our ever-changing industry, and similarly, the candidate should expect that this role and its day-to-day responsibilities may also change to adapt to the needs of the team, specific initiatives, launches, and more.  If you are someone who is passionate about crafting and executing ideas that will continue the transformation of our media landscape, then this is a phenomenal role for you.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the creation of strategies and scheduling of ESPN content across the ESPN/Disney streaming landscape 
  • Monitor industry trends both internally and externally to identify opportunities for strategic evolution 
  • Collaborate with ESPN Programming team on evaluation of properties, strategic scheduling, and content planning 
  • Collaborate across ESPN/Disney marketing, production, communications and editorial departments to ensure clarity of message and maximize returns in marketing and merchandising of ESPN’s best-in-class sports content 
  • Manage relationships across ESPN/Disney analytics teams to identify and build on positive performance trends and eliminate negative ones  
  • Work as a member of the Programming Department at large to contribute to the overall scheduling strategy for the company across platforms 
  • Create presentations and assist in prep work as assigned
  • Proactively contribute innovative ideas to continue to grow our business
  • Manage the day-to-day communication of priorities and changes to content schedules
  • Review press releases, marketing materials, promotional assets, etc. through the lens of ESPN DTC

Required Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in the sports media industry, television programming and/or business strategy, or similar experience
  • Strong knowledge of sports and their place in the streaming industry 
  • Proficient computer skills, emphasis on Microsoft Office suite
  • Basic knowledge and passion for emerging competitive digital video products and platforms
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the capability to interact across levels and support decision-making
  • Must be highly organized, efficient, self-motivated, exhibit excellent time management skills and able to work on multiple tasks at the same time. 
  • Practiced user of new media platforms
  • High level of curiosity and self-motivation in digging deeper into data/trends and driving impactful insights
  • Proactive by nature and comfortability with problem-solving and navigating through ambiguity
  • Highly collaborative with a team-first attitude
  • Effectively manage multiple demands for self and others
  • Quickly adapt to new technologies and thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Minimum 3 years of experience in the sports media industry, television programming and/or business strategy 
  • Experience working in direct to consumer or streaming 
  • Exceptional quantitative and analytical abilities
  • High level of partner management and interpersonal skills
  • Strong working knowledge of ESPN’s digital platforms, as well as knowledge of content scheduler and/or Media Central
  • Experience with Airtable
  • General familiarity with reading and comprehending legal contracts
  • General familiarity with media and footage rights
  • Strong presentation skills

Required Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, business, sports management or a related field

#ESPNMedia

Apply Now

About ESPN:

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. Every day we’re doing things that no one has done, all in a dynamic culture where we defy odds and continuously outdo ourselves. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

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

ESPN Productions, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. 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.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

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.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

  • Where Does Your Story Begin?

    Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.

  • Be Part of the Story

    There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.

  • The Next Chapter

    Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.

Explore this Location Bristol, CT

The Heart of Connecticut Bristol, Connecticut is just two hours from Boston and New York and just an hour from the shoreline. From the natural beauty of picturesque hills and fall foliage, to the high tech satellite dishes of ESPN, Bristol’s “City sized” with a small town vibe, offering wonderful memories no matter your pace.

Related Jobs

OUR CULTURE

Related Content

  • Interview Support

    Our hiring teams use behavioral interviews to learn more about you because this style is designed to give us insight into how you’ve handled real-life work situations. When responding, tell your story with the STAR method.

    Learn more 

  • Interview Structure

    Behavioral interviews are designed to give employers insight into how you’ve handled real-life work situations

    Learn more 

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    At Disney, we are committed to creating a better world. A world of belonging where each person feels seen, heard, and understood. A world filled with hope and promise.

    Learn more 

  • Heroes Work Here

    Heroes Work Here reflects the long history of respect and appreciation Disney has for the U.S. Armed Services. We recognize the commitment and dedication it takes to serve your country, both as military personnel and military spouses, and value the leadership skills and sense of purpose it has instilled in you.

    Learn more 

Sign Up for Job Alerts

Get the latest job opportunities as they become available.

Watch Our Jobs

An asterisk indicates a required field.

Interested InSelect a job category from the list of options. Select a location from the list of options. Finally, click “Add” to create your job alert.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy. If I have elected to receive marketing messages or newsletters, I may withdraw my consent for these marketing messages at any time.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy, Cookies Policy and EU Privacy Rights.

How we use your personal information and your rights:

  1. Your personal information is controlled by The Walt Disney Company Limited of 3 Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9PE, United Kingdom.
  2. When you visit or shop with Disney or use any Disney product, service or mobile application, other members of The Walt Disney Company Family of Companies may also use your information to provide you these services, personalise your experience and send you service related updates and communications.
  3. You have a number of rights including the right to request access to, change, or remove your personal information, or to change your marketing preferences (including withdrawing your consent at any time.) Please see our Privacy Policy to learn more about managing your marketing preferences or deleting your account.
  4. Our Data Protection Officer can be contacted by emailing: dataprotection@disney.co.uk.
  5. You have a right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office: https://ico.org.uk/.
  6. For more information about Disney's data collection and use practices please read Disney's Privacy Policy.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy and Collection Statement.

For more information about our general data collection, use, and practices, including how to manage your preferences, please read our Privacy Policy. I have read and agree to the Terms of Use.