Manager Programming

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

Apply Now

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

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.