Director of Sports, Research & Consumer Insights (Hybrid)

The Director of Sports, Research & Consumer Insights oversees targeted research strategies for sports programming, production, sales, and acquisitions. This role focuses on developing compelling audience stories to enhance league relationships (WNBA, NWSL), overseeing audience estimates for ratecard, finance, and new league partnerships. The director will also provide in-depth reporting on in-game analytics, viewing performance, and advertiser opportunities, demonstrating the value of sports within the larger portfolio. Key responsibilities include creating data-driven presentations, analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, and collaborating with various teams to drive content and engagement.

Must Have

• Oversee development and implementation of targeted research strategies.
• Develop compelling audience stories to enhance league relationships.
• Oversee development of audience estimates for ratecard, finance, and partnerships.
• Provide in-depth reporting on in-game analytics, viewing performance, and advertiser opportunities.
• BS/BA in Marketing, Statistics, or a related field.
• Generally, 10+ years of experience in sports research or a related field.

Good to Have

• Master’s degree.
• Prior managerial experience.
• Experience in a media or broadcasting environment.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience managing a remote team.
• Familiarity with research tools and methodologies.
• Expert understanding of audience measurement suppliers and currency.
• Deep understanding of various sports landscapes.
• Innovation-driven mindset.
• Experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Solid business acumen.

The director is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of targeted research strategies that support sports programming, production, sales, and acquisitions. This role focuses on developing compelling audience stories to enhance league relationships, specifically with the WNBA, NWSL, and other key sports leagues. The director will oversee the development of audience estimates for ratecard, finance, and potential new league partnerships and acquisitions. The director will oversee the team in providing in-depth reporting on in-game analytics, viewing performance, and advertiser opportunities to demonstrate the value of sports within the larger portfolio.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Create compelling narratives and data-driven presentations to support the development of new & existing league partnerships, showcasing audience estimates, engagement metrics, and potential revenue opportunities.
• Lead the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data to identify viewer behavior, preferences, and emerging sports trends. Use findings to inform programming decisions and marketing strategies.
• Work closely with programming, production, and marketing teams to provide actionable insights that drive content creation, promotional strategies, and viewer engagement initiatives.
• Prepare and present research findings to senior management and key stakeholders, translating complex data into clear and actionable recommendations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key sports leagues, including the WNBA, NWSL, and others. Develop stories that articulate the engagement and audience potential associated with these leagues.
• Assess and develop strategic insights for potential league acquisitions, analyzing audience demographics and performance data to inform business decisions.
• Manage and mentor a team of research analysts, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and growth.
• Stay abreast of industry developments, including emerging technologies, viewership trends, and competitive landscapes, to inform strategic decision-making.
• Oversee relationships with external research firms and vendors, ensuring the network has access to high-quality data and insights.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• BS/BA in Marketing, Statistics, or a related field; or equivalent years of experience. Master’s degree preferred.
• Generally, 10+ years of experience in sports research or a related field preferred, ideally in a media or broadcasting environment.
• Prior managerial experience preferred

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to interpret and synthesize complex data sets into actionable strategies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience managing a remote team and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Familiarity with research tools and methodologies, and an expert understanding of audience measurement suppliers and currency.
• Deep understanding of various sports landscapes.
• Innovation-driven mindset with a focus on leveraging new technologies and data sources.
• Experience presenting to senior leadership and aligning multiple business units.
• Solid business acumen with the ability to identify, prioritize, and quantify revenue growth opportunities.

#LI-SM2 #LI-Hybrid