VP Programming & Acquisitions

Job Description

Provide leadership and management for the SEC Network. The incumbent will have comprehensive oversight for the network's P&L, including areas such as the production budget, programming rights budget, and marketing budget. This position is responsible for acquisition and scheduling of the networks content, oversight of its public communication strategy and will interface and work collaboratively with all business units across ESPN to maximize distribution, viewership and revenue opportunities. This role serves as the central point of contact for the conference and its member institutions.

Decisions are guided by established corporate policy, ESPN's sales and marketing strategies, plus company production and programming guidelines. The selected candidate will have full awareness of competitive practices nationally, particularly in the college sports and networks businesses.

Position based in NC but open to CT, NY or alternate locations.

Responsibilities:

Candidates will need an understanding of the competitive landscape of college sports programming plus knowledge of business trends. Must be an effective communicator with the executive presence required to meet and/or address potential concerns from representatives of college campuses and the conference. In addition to proven programming experience they will need to understand the brand and marketing positioning.
• Helps develop and implement the business and long range strategic financial plans for the SEC Network.
• Is ESPN's primary spokesperson and business representative for the SEC Network.
• Builds and enhances critical high level internal and external relationships.
• Implements the SEC Network's content vision and programming strategy, working with senior Programming staff on all college content and with the digital team to create and execute digital media extensions.
• Obtains and allocates resources to achieve strategic operating goals.
• Works with Affiliate Sales & Marketing to drive the networks' distribution and positioning.
• Participates in developing sales strategies for advertising products, programs and services to meet or exceed established advertising sales goals
• Partners with ad sales for presentations
• Familiar with all facets of event marketing
• Understands existing rights and affiliate issues and works closely with these organizations to find opportunities to expand our offerings
• Interacts with members of the creative, production and technical staffs to create informative and entertaining college sports programs
• Ensures network is fully integrated into the overall ESPN programming direction
• Approves public relations campaigns supporting SEC Network
• Is accountable for the motivation, morale and productivity of subordinate executives and related support personnel
• Oversees personnel responsible for the SEC's website, www.secsports.com, including integration with other ESPN editorial entities and continued upkeep of the site.

Basic Qualifications:

We are interested in candidates with significant leadership and management expertise. You should have experience developing effective consultative relationships with staff and senior leaders. Solid communication skills, both written and verbal are essential for leading, coaching and corresponding with all levels within the organization. You should also have the ability to align strategic and operational goals, experience managing multiple budgets, knowledge of television distribution and digital media trends including strong affiliate distribution. This fast-paced, high-energy environment, driven by deadlines, demands only the most organized leader that performs with absolute integrity.
• A well-rounded media executive with 10+ years of senior level experience -- preferably in a company with an extensive sports business
• A minimum of 8 years in people management
• Demonstrated communication skills and ability to react quickly and positively under a wide variety of sensitive business situations.
• Experience in college sports and/or networks Production, Programming, Marketing, and/or Sales.
• Strong business acumen, plus excellent leadership, project management, communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Frequent travel
• Very comfortable working with the SEC, its member institutions, plus administrators and staff

Preferred Qualifications:
• Background, experience, and expertise working in college sports, and in particular with the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and/or its member institutions, would be helpful.
• Media leader with experience in Production, Programming, Marketing, and/or Sales
• Ability to balance strategic vision and implementation with day-to-day service delivery
• Strong understanding of the brand and the market positioning
• A courageous business advocate with a natural passion for college sports and ideally of ESPN.
• Strong influencing skills including a reputation as an effective seller of concept and strategy that can package ideas and stand behind them.
• Ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize in a high paced environment.

Required Education
• Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education
• MS or MBA degree a plus

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rbmqmy-3-144-212-145-42 in your application.