Senior Director ESPN NEXT

The Senior Director ESPN NEXT oversees the day-to-day operations of and contributes to the growth of ESPN’s NEXT program for early career professionals. The Sr. Director is responsible for the program budget & finances. The goal of the program is to create the most dynamic, multi-platform development program in the industry. In addition, the Sr. Director is responsible for overseeing the NEXT leadership team. This position reports directly to the Head of Global Sports and Talent Office.

Responsibilities:

• Has direct oversight of the strategic management of program, including all operations and leadership of management staff. 
• Acts as the “face” of the program to various constituencies, including leadership, managers, and most importantly the program participants, in 1:1 and group settings. 
• Main evangelist for the program internally and externally; strives to achieve 100% understanding of program goals and structure. 
• Hand-in-hand with Content leaders, set standards for managers that align with company priorities and strategy, and ensure standards are met.
• Works with Content leaders to continuously assess business needs and ensure program participants are getting needed development, opportunities and guidance. 
• Looks across business units bi-annually to ensure that the program is staffed appropriately and heads are correctly allotted; suggests and institutes change where needed to adjust to evolving business needs. 
• Oversees a group of managers and coordinators assigned to individual verticals within the program; responsible for defining manager assignments, shepherding manager development and delivering performance feedback. 
• Partners with HRBP, Staffing, and Content representatives on items relating to program operations.   
• Oversees performance management to ensure that employee actions are equitable and appropriate, and that program participants are getting timely, comprehensive, and actionable feedback.  
• Liaises with Production leadership to hold stakeholders accountable when expectations are not met. 
• Communicates with managers regarding evaluation outcomes and related compensation information.
• Proactively seeks feedback on program from all business units for process and content improvement.
• Travels to remote production offices to engage with content leaders and program participants in their working environment. 
• Partners with ESPN Content leadership to develop the vision for continued growth of the program.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 10 years excellence in program and/or project management.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in a leadership or management role.  Proven leadership and team development capabilities.
• Superior organizational and communication skills, particularly in direct, face-to-face engagements.
• Highly effective and dependable team collaborator.
• Exceptional adaptability in fast-paced environments, consistently performing at a high-level during uncertainty and change.
• Strong conflict management skills with a focus on crafting innovative, mutually beneficial solutions.
• Dynamic, commanding, and persuasive public speaker.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in strategically influencing senior-level decision makers without the need for direct reporting lines.
• Comprehensive knowledge of project management methodologies, with expertise in project communications and organizational change management.
• In-depth knowledge of Disney/ESPN’s global business dynamics and strategic priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, influence, and relate to a diverse team across various age groups and backgrounds.
• Proven expertise in designing and delivering impactful training sessions, workshops, and educational programs.

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree

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