Director Communications

ESPN has an immediate opportunity for an experienced, motivated, and innovative Director, Communications

Responsibilities:

• Position is based in New York, NY
• Oversee communications efforts for entertainment-driven programming, including ESPN Films, 30 for 30, Original Content series and projects and 30 for 30 Podcasts.
• Lead communications for The ESPYS, including responsibilities for publicity, red carpet and more.
• Serve as communications point person for ESPN’s coverage of tennis, including U.S. Open, Wimbledon and Australian Open.
• Develop and execute detailed publicity campaigns for a variety of platforms including but not limited to: ESPN Films projects such as 30 for 30 documentaries, 30 for 30 Podcasts, ESPN Original Content, the annual ESPYS, and various other projects such as film festivals.
• Identify and create story angles, pitch them to various media outlets, and generate publicity results.
• Plan and execute red carpet events with high-profile talent, athletes and celebrities.
• Develop comprehensive publicity plans and year-round strategic communications efforts in support of ESPN’s tennis coverage, including working with on-air commentators, production and programming staff, external event partners and outside tennis, sports business and entertainment media.
• Work closely with senior executives on media interviews, PR planning and issue management.
• Write and edit press releases and other PR documents.
• Manage issues, strategize and create external messaging for major announcements and work with external contacts to maximize PR.
• Embrace new tools (such as AI) and approaches to serve as a 360 communicator, serving both internal and external audiences. Generate story ideas and multimedia assets to creatively engage a variety of audiences online. This includes creating regular new material for MyDisneyToday (internal employee site) and ESPN Front Row, the company’s outward-facing corporate blog.
• Contribute to overall ESPN communications dept planning and direction.
• Serve as key contact for national and local media as well as company spokesperson, when appropriate.
• Manage external PR firms as needed.
• Serve on an as-needed basis for various ESPN Communications Dept events/needs.
• Travel to and represent ESPN at various events, premieres, and conferences.
• Respond to media requests for information and interviews.
• Assist with various department initiatives and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 7-10 years of public relations/media relations experience.)
• Knowledge and experience in overseeing red carpets and celebrity-focused events
• Experience in film and television public relations is a must
• Excellent PR, communications and writing skills
• Results-oriented and experienced in media pitching across spectrum of media (TV, print, online, radio, magazines, trades)
• Demonstrated knowledge/understanding of men’s/women’s sports, entertainment and media
• Must have national and local media contacts across various types of press outlets
• Strategic and creative thinker
• Self-starter and positive personality
• Proficiency in social media: Twitter (now X), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with new technologies (such as AI)
• Knowledge and familiarity with ESPN business and general media/streaming landscape
• Ability to handle multiple tasks on deadline in fast-paced environment

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience (related to communications or journalism preferred)

The hiring range for this position in New York is $160,100.00 to $231,100.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.