Job Summary:
Programming Manager – contract through March 2026
ESPN is a division of The Walt Disney Company and is the world’s leading sports entertainment company with a mission to serve sports fans. ESPN Australia operates the ESPN and ESPN2 subscription television sports channels, along with one of Australia’s leading digital sports networks comprising, ESPNcricinfo and ESPNfootytips.
ESPN Australia holds an extensive portfolio of premium sports rights including the NBA, NFL, MLB and UFC, along with Australia’s NBL and WNBL basketball leagues.
The Programming Manager will work with the ESPN programming and acquisitions team to support the content and scheduling strategy, on-platform merchandising, and internal dissemination of information for ESPN’s channels and content platforms in Australia & New Zealand.
This role will work closely with multiple internal departments based in Sydney, Melbourne, and the US, certain leagues & rights holders, and our affiliates in the region. The successful candidate will have proven experience being able to effectively collaborate across multiple teams and times zones.
Our ideal candidate has an intimate knowledge of the Australian and international sports landscape, a genuine passion for sport, and is considered an expert in media consumption trends and sports scheduling. You pride yourself on your ability to organise your time effectively across changing multiple priorities, execute through collaboration, and have the mindset “what is best for the business”.
Ready to jump into your new adventure with ESPN? APPLY NOW with your cover letter telling us why you want to be our new Programming Manager!
Your main responsibilities will be, but are not limited to:
Content Scheduling
1. Support the programming and merchandising strategy for ESPN television platforms
2. Help maintain schedules on a day-to-day basis by implementing and disseminating schedule changes and information
3. Interpret brand and marketing strategies into a long-range programming philosophy
4. Analyse data to improve viewership
5. Work closely with Production, Ad Sales, Research, Creative and Marketing to supply information and achieve cross-business priorities
6. Communicate with Formatting, Network Control, Content Integration, and Content Screening to coordinate the implementation of the schedule
Rights Support
7. Answer day-to-day rights and schedule questions from various departments
8. Gather and disseminate programming information amongst multiple internal departments
9. Assemble metrics/data for periodic reporting to leagues, such as distribution and ratings
10. Competitive analysis and intelligence gathering in regards to competitors and market trends
11. Manage base level programming acquisitions
Cross-business planning & promotion
12. Work cross-business to ensure ESPN content is well represented
13. Utilise relevant audience & platform insights to promote content
To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:
14. 3+ years’ experience as a television or content programmer, preferably within sports
15. Previous experience working within a global/regional company managing multiple stakeholders in different locations and time zones a plus
16. Extensive understanding of the Australia/New Zealand television landscape, viewing trends and local sports scheduling
17. Strong knowledge of the most popular Australian and International sports/leagues
18. Experience with contract negotiations a plus
19. Experience in content production and/or operations a plus
20. High level of creativity and able to demonstrate innovation and imagination with content promotion.
21. Proficiency in business metrics and numbers, with ability to review data and translate analyses into understandable and actionable points.
Additional Information:
The Walt Disney Company can provide individual accessibility support that may be needed during your interview process. Please let us know of accommodations that may assist in helping you feel welcome by emailing