Specialist, International Programming Strategy & Content Planning (National Geographic & Disney Branded Television)

Global Programming Strategy & Content Planning drives multi-platform audience growth around the world through effective slate management and creative program rollout.  The international arm liaises with National Geographic and Disney Branded Television networks globally on overall strategy, operations and 3rd party partnerships.  Specifically for Nat Geo, international is across regional content needs and leads the selection of international-only commissions.  At Disney Branded Television, international programming plays a key role in the global distribution of our franchise priorities.

The Specialist, International Programming Strategy & Content Planning sits at the center of all communication with regional programmers.  They are an essential part of the program life cycle from greenlight through premiere.  As such, this role provides a unique opportunity to be creative as well as strategic.  It is a highly visible position that requires cross-departmental collaboration to successfully activate the global content strategy.  

Primary Responsibilities:

Multiplatform Program Planning:

• Work with creative leads, executive producers and regional programming heads to globally align all brand priorities for National Geographic and Disney Branded Television
• Maintain regular communication with Disney+ on regional premieres
• Track master delivery and flag shows that must shift due to delays
• Submit regional pull up requests to marketing, PR and operations for approval
• Support our distribution team with 3rd party partnerships and any associated programming requirements

Regional Communication:

• Respond to daily regional requests for series information and screeners
• Distribute weekly update note highlighting programming updates and other important announcements
• Meet monthly with each region to go over local strategy and programming needs
• Request international premiere dates for senior management, production companies and press
• Collect regional performance data to share with executive producers
• Attend Weekly NG Europe Catch-Up to stay abreast of EMEA commissions

Database Management:

• Serve as the departmental superuser for all systems whether current or newly introduced
• Vet rollouts weekly against the scheduling system to ensure data integrity
• Troubleshoot with regions regarding missing database entries or TX dates out of license
• Coordinate with Enterprise Metadata Services to keep programming data aligned companywide
• Participate in system upgrade and maintenance conversations to improve user interface and database functionality
• Conduct systems training for regional partners

Content Development & Acquisitions:

• Screen programming to build familiarity and context when scheduling
• Attend pitch meetings and brainstorms hosted by development, acquisitions and Yellow Border
• Provide editorial feedback on projects up for greenlight and renewal
• Gather regional feedback on new projects and act as their proxy during greenlight discussions

Administrative:

• Maintain the international contacts directory, electronic distribution lists, VPS bible and run order tracker
• Schedule meetings, book conference rooms, send Zoom invites and pull together presentation slides as needed
• Organize quarterly editorial/production update presentation for international programmers and cross-functional partners
• Supply international highlights each month for the Nat Geo Programming Spotlight
• Onboard employees that need access to our systems and programming folders.

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of relevant work experience in programming strategy or an adjacent field
• Team player who is comfortable working independently as well as with supervised direction
• Skilled project manager handling complex details/tasks efficiently to meet deadlines  
• Highly organized multi-tasker who is detail-oriented, efficient, proactive and resourceful
• Excellent oral and written communicator who exhibits professionalism with colleagues at all levels
• Confident user of Microsoft Office with above-average skills in Excel and PowerPoint 
• Comfortable with technology and learning new systems as required by internal workflows
• Willing to work flexible hours to accommodate global partners in varying time zones
• Demonstrates cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity and has strong interest in collaborating with stakeholders and working with our international/global partners

Preferred Qualifications:

• Streaming experience is strongly desired
• Prior management experience a plus as this position will assign intern projects and monitor progress
• Open to occasional domestic and/or international travel
• Work location in Washington, D.C. is strongly preferred; New York office location is a potential option.

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience