Director, Business Affairs - Original Content

Job Description

The Director, Business Affairs – Original Content, as part of the Programming, Acquisitions & Original Content department, will be responsible for setting the structure, negotiation strategy and leading the business relationships for ESPN's original content portfolio; specifically related to the development, production, licensing and acquisition of ESPN's award-winning 30 for 30 series, ESPN Films and ESPN+ Originals. This position will also lead the business operations team responsible for original content. The position will report to the Senior Director, Business Affairs – Original Content.

The preferred location for this role is NY, but may be open to CT or CA.

Responsibilities:
• This position will be expected to exercise significant independent judgement, discretion, and decision-making authority to directly handle the evaluating, structuring, negotiating and implementing of a wide range of agreements as well as the ongoing relationship and business management of those deals.
• Will work closely with executives within the Programming Acquisitions & Original Content division and across The Walt Disney Company (including Legal, Business Affairs, Finance, Production, Marketing, Ad Sales and Distribution) throughout all stages of a deal, including compiling and prioritizing deal points from the various business units, communicate and champion best practices, and at all times to operate in and be a proponent for the best interest of the company.
• 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 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.
• Lead a team of three (3) accountable for production management across the entire portfolio of original content.
• Assist in the Business Affairs needs in other areas on an ad hoc basis.

Basic Qualifications:
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in Legal and/or Business Affairs
• Experience with structuring, negotiating and implementing complex deals

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience structuring, negotiating 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
• Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education
• Juris Doctor Degree strongly preferred

This role is considered hybrid, which means the employee will work a portion of their time on-site from a Company designated location and the remainder of their time remotely.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gq9yvz-18-217-8-82-42 in your application.