Business Affairs Director

Job Description

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

#ESPNMedia

The hiring range for this position in Los Angeles, CA is $124,886 to $167,530 per year and in New York, NY is $130,800 to $175,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

About ESPN:

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney's stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with ESPN Productions, Inc, which is part of a business we call ESPN.

ESPN Productions, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-xkw1z4-3-23-102-192-42 in your application.