Job Posting Title:

Senior Director, Business Affairs

Req ID:

10133919

Job Description:

The Senior Director, Business Affairs, 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 VP, Original Content and Business Affairs.

Responsibilities:

• Be expected to exercise significant independent judgement, discretion, and decision-making authority to directly evaluate, structure, negotiate, and implement a wide range of high visibility, high monetary value agreements, as well as the ongoing relationship and business management of those deals.
• Work closely with executives within the 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, communicating and championing best practices, and at all times operating in and being a proponent for the best interests of the company.
• Manage business aspect of original content, tent pole events & ancillary areas for assigned book of business, 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.
• Supervise the work of a Manager and/or Senior Manager accountable for strategic support of large umbrella deals and opportunities to expand the Original Content business.
• Assist with Business Affairs needs in other areas on an ad hoc basis.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 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 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 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:

• Juris Doctor degree

#ESPNMedia

The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $194,300 to $260,600 per year and in Los Angeles, CA is $185,500 to $248,900 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.

Job Posting Segment:

ESPN Original Content

Job Posting Primary Business:

Original Content Mgmt

Primary Job Posting Category:

Business Affairs

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

USA - CT - ESPN Building 12 - 280 Ronzo Rd, USA - NY - 7 Hudson Square

Date Posted:

2025-10-09