Director, Business Affairs

The Director, Business Affairs – Original Content, as part of the Original Content department, will be responsible for upholding the structure, negotiation strategy and business relationships for ESPN’s original content portfolio; specifically related to the development, production, licensing and acquisition of ESPN’s internal productions, as well as its award-winning 30 for 30 series, ESPN Films and ESPN Originals. The position will report to the Senior Director, Business Affairs – Original Content.

Responsibilities:

• Be expected to exercise significant independent judgement, discretion, and decision-making authority to directly evaluate, structure, negotiate and implement a wide range of agreements, as well as the ongoing relationship and business management of those deals.
• Work closely with executives within the Programming Acquisitions & Original Content divisions and across The Walt Disney Company (including Legal, Business Affairs, Finance, Production, Marketing, Ad Sales and Distribution) throughout all stages of the content, including compiling and prioritizing deal points from the various business units, communicating and championing best practices, and at all times operating in and being a proponent for the best interests of the company.
• Help manage business aspect of original content, tent pole events & ancillary areas, such as: distribution rights and clearance issues that may arise in connection with the development, production, acquisition and exploitation of content across ESPN, The Walt Disney Company and third-party platforms; advising and supporting senior executives on key business issues and rights matters and on global content exploitation deals and strategy.
• Assist with Business Affairs needs in other areas on an ad hoc basis.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in Legal and/or Business Affairs for a major media company, league or other sports entity.
• Experience structuring, negotiating, drafting and implementing entertainment deals (e.g., production, acquisition, distribution, digital, emerging businesses, etc.).
• Experience in the digital media and/or direct to consumer space.
• Superior analytical and writing skills and ability, together with strong business and financial acumen.
• Strong negotiation skills, both as an individual and with a team.
• Ability to strategize and think creatively; strong problem solving skills required.
• Exceptional organizational, prioritization and time management skills with the ability to juggle multiple, high-priority projects, with a keen attention to detail.
• Knowledge and understanding of digital media initiatives, platforms, products and services (streaming, distribution models and platforms, etc.) and the entertainment industry generally.
• Professional, confident demeanor and a team player.
• Ability to perform duties under minimal supervision while exercising discretion and independent, sound judgment.
• Must excel in a fast-paced, results-oriented work environment.

Required Education

• College degree

Preferred Education

• JD degree

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