Research Producer

Position Summary:

ESPN Research and BottomLine is recognized as the industry leader for providing the fastest, most accurate and most insightful sports data and information in the world and delivers information to every ESPN platform, with serving Event and Studio programming as priorities while also serving all platforms. For this position, we are looking for someone who is able to combine a vision for matching statistics and storylines with the challenge of helping the organization of Research/BottomLine and its people; the operation is integral to the success of nearly every editorial product on ESPN platforms.

You will work with cutting-edge technology and some of the richest sports data sources in the world, and you will personally generate as well as sometimes oversee the collection and distribution of that content in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.  Differentiating sports knowledge, in both breadth and depth, as well as a working knowledge of sports history for major sports will be utilized daily. Familiarity with advanced stats and metrics across sports also is important to success in the role.

Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders will be a focal point of this role, helping ensure that Research is fulfilling the content needs of the platforms it serves.  You will connect with Research Managers and represent the team’s interests with senior leaders and, at times, executives, around high-profile programming and projects. You will think globally about content across all ESPN platforms.

The Research Producer may be assigned to coach and mentor Part-Time Researchers, as well as organizational duties tied to the development and evaluation of colleagues’ work. The Research Producer will, at times, be the ranking staff member on duty or on site during the production of a live event and/or on assigned projects. Those situations will call for providing direction, coaching and feedback when appropriate. The Research Producer will have regular conversations with managers – both through electronic and in-person means. Great support, commitment to improvement and a culture of accountability are foundational to our success.

Lastly, we are looking for a candidate with strong business acumen and who will approach the job from an ESPN-wide perspective. We want the Research Producer to weigh “return on investment” as we assess the scope of editorial coverage and strategize about the development of new applications for our data.

Responsibilities:

The Research Producer will be a leader in the department in terms of content, mentoring, recognizing and suggesting solutions for long-term issues, and generating ideas related to the future of the department. This person will consider the broader ESPN-wide perspective and will demonstrate leadership competencies in leading themselves and colleagues.

Ideal candidates will possess the following traits:

• Content generation will be a consistent and significant part of the role. This will extend to outlining larger content plans and editing submissions from other staff members to ensure accuracy, quality and consistency of content.
• Collaborate with Senior Coordinating Producers to take direction and help plan segments, shows, sport coverage and advertising executions.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of content coverage, looking months and sometimes years ahead. Contribute and execute recommendations for coverage improvements on a year-to-year basis.
• Ensure Research is using all available tools and resources to best support breaking and emerging storylines. Make recommendations to the manager in charge of training.
• Seek, recommend, and drive efficiencies that align with strategic priorities of accuracy, timeliness, and resource allocation in all aspects of operations.
• Set a good example for Research staff, including but not limited to approach to improving content, production, and professional acumen.
• Provide appropriate feedback -- positive and constructive as necessary -- that models accountability and drives improvement.
• Lead the team’s production operation (on an occasional basis depending on the season and other assignments) and with support from an on-site or on-call manager.
• Approaches job from a larger ESPN-wide perspective.
• Night, weekend and holiday work will be required.
• The role is On Site, requiring on-campus shifts.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrate the necessary speed, accuracy and creativity to do all Senior Researcher tasks at an expert level and take on additional duties to enhance shows, sports and content across platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong news/content judgment
• A minimum of 5 years of experience producing and/or managing sports content, or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the job.
• Experience turning sports statistics and analysis into storylines.
• Experience in digital and television sports production.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate across departments at a high level. Sports expertise sometimes will prompt interactions with Senior Coordinating Producers.
• Strong writing and grammar skills. Must have demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely to all levels of management about often complicated content, production, or technical issues.
• Full availability for this position, which will include nights, weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years serving in a defined leadership role in a production or newsroom environment.
• 1+ year in a defined role to other leaders of people, specifically in the areas of personnel development and organization.
• Project and/or budgetary management experience.
• College degree preferred.
• Fluency in reading, speaking and writing Spanish preferred.

Required Education:

High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education:

College degree or equivalent

Additional Information: (i.e. physical requirements, holiday, nights, weekend shifts, etc.)

Research at ESPN is 24/7, and the role is On Site (all shifts are worked in person on campus).Position shift times include early mornings and late nights – and everything in between – as well as shifts on weekends and holidays. This is a constant throughout one’s career in ESPN Content.