Contract Event Programmer (Remote)

The Athletic; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Restricted stock

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

The Athletic is seeking a Contract Event Programmer to develop and execute compelling programming for live events. This freelance, project-based role collaborates with newsroom, editorial leadership, commercial and creative teams to bring journalism to the stage and beyond.

You will shape conversations, identify talent, and craft run-of-show elements while staying ahead of trends in sports, media and culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience programming live events.
• Strong editorial instincts to shape compelling narratives and conversations.
• Proven experience sourcing, booking, and managing high-profile talent.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a strong network across sports and media.
• Willingness to travel for events as needed.

Responsibilities

• Partner with newsroom and editorial leads to develop event concepts and programming.
• Research, identify, and secure talent—athletes, coaches, executives, and cultural figures—through outreach, negotiations, and contracting.
• Build and shape run-of-show, including conversation arcs, formats and session structure.
• Collaborate with moderators, journalists, and hosts to prepare for on-stage conversations, including briefing materials and prep calls.
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams (editorial, marketing, commercial, creative development, production) to ensure seamless execution.
• Stay ahead of trends across sports, media, and culture to inform timely and relevant programming.
• Contribute to extending the life of event content across platforms (editorial, video, audio, social).

Skills

Live events programming

Talent sourcing

Editorial storytelling

Project management

Job description

About The Role

The Athletic is seeking a Contract Event Programmer to develop and execute compelling programming for our live events. This role will work closely with newsroom, editorial leadership, commercial and creative development teams to shape conversations, identify talent, and bring our journalism off the page and onto the stage. It is a freelance, project‑based position supporting key tentpole events throughout the year.

Responsibilities

• Partner with The Athletic newsroom and editorial leads to develop event concepts and programming that reflect our journalism and audience interests.
• Research, identify, and secure talent—athletes, coaches, executives, and cultural figures—through outreach, negotiations, and contracting.
• Build and shape run‑of‑show, including conversation arcs, formats and session structure.
• Collaborate with moderators, journalists, and hosts to prepare for on‑stage conversations, including briefing materials and prep calls.
• Work cross‑functionally with internal teams (editorial, marketing, commercial, creative development, production) to ensure seamless execution.
• Stay ahead of trends across sports, media, and culture to inform timely and relevant programming.
• Contribute to extending the life of event content across platforms (editorial, video, audio, social).

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience programming live events, ideally within sports, media or entertainment.
• Deep knowledge of the sports landscape, including leagues, athletes and key storylines.
• Proven experience sourcing, booking, and managing high‑profile talent.
• Strong editorial instincts and the ability to shape compelling narratives and conversations.
• Experience working with journalists or editorial teams is highly preferred.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with a strong network across sports and media.
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and adapting to evolving priorities.
• Willingness to travel for events as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual base salary range: $90,000.00 – $110,000.00 USD. Total compensation may vary based on education, experience, skills, and location.

Benefits (U.S. roles): variable pay options such as annual bonus and restricted stock; medical, dental, and vision benefits; Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s); company‑matching 401(k) plan; paid vacation; paid sick days; paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; professional development programs.

Benefits (outside U.S. roles): information will be provided during the interview process.

Applicant Privacy Notice

The Applicant Privacy Notice describes how and when The Athletic Media Company collects, uses, and shares personal information of job applicants and prospective employees.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The Athletic Media Company is an equal‑opportunity employer and encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. The Athletic will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.