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 ESPN.com.au, 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

• Support the programming and merchandising strategy for ESPN television platforms
• Help maintain schedules on a day-to-day basis by implementing and disseminating schedule changes and information
• Interpret brand and marketing strategies into a long-range programming philosophy
• Analyse data to improve viewership
• Work closely with Production, Ad Sales, Research, Creative and Marketing to supply information and achieve cross-business priorities
• Communicate with Formatting, Network Control, Content Integration, and Content Screening to coordinate the implementation of the schedule

Rights Support

• Answer day-to-day rights and schedule questions from various departments
• Gather and disseminate programming information amongst multiple internal departments
• Assemble metrics/data for periodic reporting to leagues, such as distribution and ratings
• Competitive analysis and intelligence gathering in regards to competitors and market trends
• Manage base level programming acquisitions

Cross-business planning & promotion

• Work cross-business to ensure ESPN content is well represented
• Utilise relevant audience & platform insights to promote content

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:

• 3+ years’ experience as a television or content programmer, preferably within sports
• Previous experience working within a global/regional company managing multiple stakeholders in different locations and time zones a plus
• Extensive understanding of the Australia/New Zealand television landscape, viewing trends and local sports scheduling
• Strong knowledge of the most popular Australian and International sports/leagues
• Experience with contract negotiations a plus
• Experience in content production and/or operations a plus
• High level of creativity and able to demonstrate innovation and imagination with content promotion.
• 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 wdi.careers.au@disney.com.

This is unique opportunity to join the talented team that develops and delivers unparalleled entertainment across Australia and New Zealand so if this role captures your imagination then apply now!

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. We are committed to building a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.