Senior Director, Digital Show Production

The Senior Director, Digital Show Production oversees the entire production process for Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) show content, including both remote and studio production for assigned sports. This role collaborates with the Senior Vice President, Studio & Entertainment, and Vice President of Digital Production to set the content strategy and production philosophy. It requires an experienced leader with a passion for innovation in sports production, a deep understanding of digital platforms, and the ability to elevate ESPN’s Direct-to-Consumer programming to new heights

Responsibilities:

Content Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute the content strategy and production philosophy for assigned programming.
• Drive innovation through development of new show concepts and enhancing existing digital show formats.
• Ensure assigned programming aligns with ESPN’s overall content strategy and network integration.
  
  
  

Production Oversight & Execution

• Lead the full scope of remote and studio production for Direct-to-Consumer show(s), ensuring high-quality execution across platforms.
• Oversee Producers, Associate Producers, Content Associates, and Production Assistants, providing guidance and feedback.
• Define and assign production levels for all events in collaboration with the Remote Operations team.
• Plan and coordinate production staff assignments across all events for assigned programming.
• Direct the design and implementation of graphics, animations, and other visual elements to enhance storytelling.
• Track and manage production schedules and budgets to optimize efficiency.
  
  
  

Talent Management & Development

• Define and execute talent plan, determining on-air talent assignments for assigned programming.
• Provide coaching and feedback to both on-air talent and production personnel to ensure continued growth and excellence.
• Lead regular content calls for assigned programming, aligning production teams on storytelling and execution strategies.
  
  
  

Asset Management & Commercial Integration

• Oversee and control the flow of production assets, ensuring seamless content delivery.
• Establish advertising, promotions, and sales guidelines for assigned programming, collaborating with business units to drive revenue opportunities.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• A minimum of seven years of combined experience in content curation, remote production, digital video or streaming is required, including at least two years of managing large production teams and overseeing multiple simultaneous events.
• Understanding and appreciation of streaming services, features, and consumption.
• Ability to analyze a wide array of analytics and make strategic recommendations based on evolving priorities.
• Knowledge of basic curation software and proficiency in learning new publishing software seamlessly.
• Strong strategic thinking abilities, with the capacity to set and execute content strategies for high-profile sports categories.
• Deep understanding of talent management, storytelling, and digital content trends.
• Expertise in budgeting, scheduling, and production logistics.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to align cross-functional teams.
  
  
  

Required Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
  
  
  

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent