Associate Manager Programming

Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company; Bristol (CT); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

ESPN in Bristol, CT is seeking an Associate Manager of Programming to support planning, execution and maintenance of network scheduling across ESPN platforms. You will ensure accurate schedule implementation and coordinate network graphics and on-air elements for viewer clarity.

You will work with cross-functional teams, analyze schedule data, and assist long-term strategic initiatives while communicating with executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in television production.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of scheduling processes and operations.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for sports and sports events.

Responsibilities

• Learn and apply network scheduling guidelines, operating procedures, and conditions philosophies.
• Populate join-in-progress (JIP) points and other critical on-air information in scheduling systems.
• Monitor scheduled programming and support schedule changes.
• Prepare and distribute reports documenting programming decisions.
• Collaborate with Content Strategy to handle disruptions and continuity.
• Manage graphics initiatives and presentation elements across networks and platforms.
• Assist with long-term programming strategy and attend meetings providing input and follow-up.

Skills

Television production

Organizational skills

Verbal & written communication

Scheduling processes

Attention to detail

Sports programming knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Broadcasting, Media Studies, or related

Job description

The Associate Manager Programming supports the planning, execution, and maintenance of network programming schedules across ESPN platforms. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate schedule implementation, coordinating network-level graphics elements, managing programming adjustments, and supporting long-term strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate combines strong organizational skills, operational excellence, ability to communicate with executive level leadership, and a passion for sports and television programming.

Responsibilities:

Programming & Scheduling Operations

• Learn and apply network scheduling guidelines, operating procedures, and conditions philosophies.
• Populate join-in-progress (JIP) points and other critical on-air network information within scheduling systems such as NCS and Content Scheduler.
• Monitor scheduled programming and support the execution of schedule changes as needed.
• Prepare and distribute reports documenting programming and content decisions for department-wide communication.

Content Coordination

• Collaborate with the Content Strategy team to develop alternate programming solutions when schedule disruptions occur, including events that conclude earlier than expected.
• Provide operational support to ensure programming continuity across networks and platforms.

Network Graphics & Presentation

• Manage planning and execution of network-level graphics initiatives, including:
• Navigation pane coordination
• Bottom-line takeovers
• Other network presentation elements that support viewer navigation and engagement

Strategic Projects & Stakeholder Support

• Assist with long-term programming strategy and operational improvement projects.
• Attend sport-specific, project, and operational meetings as assigned, providing scheduling and conditions-related input and follow-up.
• Perform shift-specific responsibilities and other duties as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years of experience working in television production.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of television operations and scheduling processes.
• Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative thinker with strong analytical skills and the ability to develop innovative solutions.
• Passion for sports and broad knowledge of sports rules and events.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Broadcasting, Media Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in television programming, production, operations, affiliate relations, media scheduling, or a related area.
• In-depth knowledge of schedule change procedures and broadcast operations.
• Experience working with scheduling systems such as NCS, Content Scheduler, or similar broadcast planning tools.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Thrives in a deadline-driven, live-event environment.
• Strong collaborator who can effectively work across content, programming, and operations teams.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Passionate about delivering a seamless viewer experience through accurate and efficient programming execution.

#ESPNMedia

The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT is $$65,300.00 to $87,500.00 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.