Senior Talent Producer

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. Every day we’re doing things that no one has done, all in a dynamic culture where we defy odds and continuously outdo ourselves. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

The Senior Talent Producer shows leadership within the Talent Production Group while working alongside production colleagues to proactively pitch, book guests and manage talent relationships across ESPN’s platforms over an extended period of time. Collaborating with the Director of Talent Production and other colleagues, the Senior Talent Producer will develop and maintain exceptional internal and external relationships in order to provide the most timely, impactful guests, forecast show needs and react to breaking news. Responsible for influencing content through curated, compelling guest and story ideas.

Responsibilities

• Proactively pitches and secures guests, revenue opportunities and/or content ideas to Talent Production Director, Coordinating Producers, Producers, Researchers, etc. to ensure the most appropriate guests appear on the most appropriate platform

• Regularly shows leadership within the Talent Producers group (guides less experienced members of the team, leads meetings, ability to manage direct reports)

• Manage relationships, bookings and casting of Athlete, Coaches, and Celebrity Talent to participate in various content endeavors across the ESPN business

• Understands the difference in shows/platforms across ESPN to suggest appropriate and timely guests. Works closely with Production counterparts to suggest alternative options for guests for requests that are

• feasible/realistic

• Continually seeks, develops and maintains excellent internal relationships across platform and job function

• Develops and maintains relationships with selected guests, SIDSs, athletes, coaches, agents and PR people to ensure the best possible cooperation/outcome with booking guests.

• Maintains an extensive database of athletes, coaches, managers, team executives, celebrities and their agents. 

• Drives conversation in regular editorial meetings to suggest story ideas and guest possibilities for all shows

• Collaborates with other talent producers, Coordinating Producers, Producers and Talent Director to strategically forecast and anticipate needs for guests based on upcoming seasons, news relevancy and show needs.  

• As needed, provides on-site support for guest bookings, including in-house and remote booked guests as well as commercial shoots and events

• Remains accessible and is often required to work non-traditional days/hours including nights, weekends, and holidays

Qualifications

• Consistently shows exceptional communication skills

• Ability to plan and lead effectively in team environment

• Deep sports knowledge  and entertainment rolodex Guest/talent booking experience

• Knowledge of the media industry

• Ability to excel in an atmosphere subject to frequent changes and produce results

• Ability to prepare, and submit story ideas/guest segments

• Ability to write detailed feature and show pitches

• Ability to react quickly and positively under a wide variety of sensitive and changing production situations

• Demonstrate exceptional leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in sports media or broadcast industry

• Familiar with computers, search engines, internet searches, collaboration tools, social media

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Education

• N/A

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