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Program Manager, Talent and Growth

Job ID 10133338 Location Bristol, Connecticut, United States Business ESPN Date posted Oct. 17, 2025
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Job Summary:

As the Program Manager, Learning & Talent Solutions, this individual is integral in delivering innovative programs, analytics and reporting, learning experiences and scalable approaches to advance the employee experience and impact on the business at ESPN and TWDC.  In carrying out this role, the Program Manager must gain a keen understanding of the ESPN culture and demonstrate the ability to design and implement programs and practices to meet the needs of target audiences in alignment with expectations, strategies and company values. The bar is set high. We are looking for a mid-career self-starter with a strong track record and minimum of 5 years of related experience within a 5000 plus employee company. A professional with strong collaboration and relationship building skills, who appreciates creativity and innovation with a mindset of continuous improvement. Solutions orientation with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment is a must. The Program Manager will report to the Sr. Director, Talent Management and Development.

Core Responsibilities:

Overall responsibilities include collaborating effectively with teammates and partners to design, manage and facilitate talent and performance management practices, and learning and development experiences and programs.  The role requires management of surveys/evaluation tools, analytics, metrics and reporting utilizing Artificial Intelligence, Smartsheet and other tools to facilitate planning, analysis and reporting.  The individual will liaison with HR Analytics and other partners to execute ongoing reporting and measurement strategy.  Leading communications, marketing, administrative logistics and budget for assigned areas is required.  In addition to supporting integration of TWDC initiatives and facilitating evolution of practices and HR capabilities to drive desired outcomes and impact.

Talent and Succession Planning

  • Support design, implementation and facilitation of succession planning, talent review meetings and processes across the company.
  • Consult with HR Business Partners to prepare for and execute talent succession and development planning and tracking.
  • Maintain the utmost confidentiality of all information including conversations, data, insights, etc. 

Performance and Career Development:

  • Manage the design, implementation and continuous improvement of ESPN performance management strategy and skill-based calibration process.
  • Develop creative marketing, communications, manager/employee resources and materials.
  • Partner with learning team to design and facilitate learning programs and track impact.
  • Support planning and delivery of the career management strategy to promote culture of feedback, skill-based career paths and individual development planning.

Targeted Development

  • Manage nominations, partnerships, communications and budget for industry and internal experience/programs for top performer, high potential and potential successor talent (e.g., WICT, NAMIC, WISE).
  • Identify and support design and delivery of innovative development approaches (internal and external) to accelerate development of key talent.
  • Establish and manage metrics strategy for ongoing evaluation of participant and business impact, reporting and insights-driven decision making.

Required Experience, Qualifications and Skills

  • Developing and supporting talent and succession planning and partnering with HR colleagues to effectively execute and evolve practices.
  • Implementing and managing metrics, analysis, and insights for ongoing reporting, storytelling and insights-driven decision making.
  • Integrating inclusive practices that promote consistent behaviors, practices and diverse perspectives (e.g. calibration, feedback, team composition).
  • Creating and delivering learning, career and employee experiences/programs (e.g. skills based learning, career paths, development planning, mentoring initiatives).
  • Communication, presentation, and program/meeting facilitation across related areas. 
  • Proficiency with LMS, AI, Microsoft 365, Excel/Smartsheet and social media tools to improve efficiency, scalability and evaluation of practices.  
  • Demonstrated ability to operate independently and utilize strong decision-making skills.
  • Project and program management skills with the ability to lead project teams in curating and implementing creative solutions. 
  • A data-focused and best practice mindset to support the team in continuous improvement and growth of impact. 

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree required.
  • Master’s degree in area related to learning, organizational behavior/development, team/group dynamics, adult education, organizational psychology or other relevant areas preferred.
  • Formal certification/education/experience in applying learning models, adult development theory, or curriculum development preferred.

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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, Inc, which is part of a business we call ESPN.

ESPN, 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.

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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.

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