Program Manager, Talent and Growth

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.