Senior Director, Talent Acquisition - ESPN

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. We are always finding new ways to interact with fans-- however and wherever they connect to sports. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

Storytelling is at the heart of what we do at ESPN and we believe that our talent is what sets us apart.  The talent acquisition team plays a critical role in sourcing, engaging, and advocating for exceptionally talented candidates to work for our brand.

The Senior Director, Talent Acquisition for ESPN provides leadership, strategic and cross-functional direction to support all businesses within ESPN to bring in top industry talent.  The position is based in Bristol, CT and reports to the Vice President, Talent Acquisition. The Senior Director, Talent Acquisition will manage a team of recruitment professionals supporting the ongoing talent needs of a workforce of 6,000+ employees. This individual will serve as a thought leader on attracting and retaining best-in-class talent across the ESPN businesses.

We are looking for an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader who will both execute our current talent acquisition initiatives aggressively while also effectively using creativity and resourcefulness to develop new approaches to drive ESPN’s need to increase our ability to attract and secure top industry talent in an ever-changing media environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations for the ESPN Talent Acquisition team, partnering with key stakeholders to develop and implement innovative, competitive talent acquisition strategies
• Establish credibility with the business as a trusted advisor who provides expert advice relative to the integration of talent strategies, processes, programs and practices
• Oversee ESPN’s diversity recruiting initiatives and partner with internal teams to evaluate their effectiveness
• Drive and leverage insights for meaningful impact, influence, and measures of success
• Engage and inspire the ESPN Talent Acquisition team by turning vision into action, motivating others to achieve goals, and following through on decisions
• Assist with budget planning and manage priorities to maximize investments and achieve cost efficiencies
• Evaluate and improve tracking tools and systems to support effective recruitment efforts across ESPN
• Represent, contribute, and integrate broader talent acquisition strategic priorities
• With a coaching mentality, develop and grow a highly functioning recruitment organization that will continue to drive innovation and growth across the company
• Lead and collaborate with peers on multiple workflows and projects tied to strategic priorities that are critical to our success including but not limited to:  the Disney Entertainment - Television TA team, Diversity & Inclusion, Events, Talent Acquisition Marketing & Executive Search

Basic Qualifications

• 10+ years of Talent Acquisition Leadership experience supporting hiring for sports, news, creative, or production businesses (or equivalent)
• Collaboration first approach that leans into the strengths of others to find the best solutions to solve the most challenging problems
• Commitment to driving diversity and quality with every hire at scale
• Proven leadership track record managing senior executive relationships
• Ability to collaborate and build relationships with partners across functional and organizational lines while navigating matrixed organizational structures (i.e. HR Business Partners, Compensation, Learning & Development, Process & Infrastructure, TA Marketing)
• Ability to create and implement successful recruitment, sourcing, selection and assessment strategies
• Superior organizational and process management skills as demonstrated by an ability to manage multiple detailed projects and drive to deadlines
• Knowledge of, and experience with, technology tools to support the recruitment function
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of the sports media business