Director Of Social Video - YouTube

Job Description

The Director of Social Video/YouTube oversees the development, production and distribution strategy of cross-platform video across ESPN's YouTube channels, including trending content, original features, highlights, and curated show material. This individual will track performance metrics and video analytics across social and ESPN platforms, enhancing the distribution model on all channels. This individual must be an expert in SEO, organized, and able to recognize unique and compelling content that will thrive in mobile/social environments. Must have or develop an awareness of the operations of multiple ESPN units in order to collaborate successfully in identifying and/or developing up-to-the-minute video content optimized for multiple platforms and user needs. This is a visible role requiring executive presence and presentation skills both in and out of ESPN. This role will be the lead charged with determining the scope and requirements for expansion on YouTube and other key off-platform channels. This role will work closely with the Senior Director, Digital and Social Video to create accountable and actionable strategy – for both content and distribution – for ESPN's YouTube channels and additional ESPN digital platforms.

Responsibilities:
• Become a subject matter expert on the ESPN Digital Platforms and apply that expertise to expand reach, engagement, and distribution of content.
• Direct a staff of producers and editors in a highly competitive, rapidly changing environment.
• Drive strategic multi-platform Digital and Social video distribution, with heavy emphasis on increased consumption, fan engagement, and monetization
• Collaborate in the development of a cross-platform content strategy.
• Participate with teams internally and externally in the creation and distribution of content that best activates new audiences.
• Serve as the liaison between business teams and technology to accurately share objectives, and establish effective communication of YouTube and Digital Video strategy and goals.
• Participate with Business Development, Ad Sales and Legal in the evaluation of new revenue partners that integrate into ESPN digital properties. Provide expertise on the LOE needed to achieve a successful integration. Provide on-boarding and coordinate training to production teams as we expand content efforts.
• Analyze usage and performance metrics that can lead to content enhancements and improvements.
• Simultaneously manage personnel and content planning with strategic programming strategy.
• Engage internal content partners to ensure the best creation, sharing and distribution of video content.
• Maintain proficiency and knowledge in latest trends, technology and best practices for digital video content.
• Maintain proficiency and knowledge in latest trends and best practices for video distribution on YouTube and ESPN Platforms.

Basic Qualifications:
• Minimum seven years of combined media experience with a focus on digital media, product development, content strategy, and project management
• Experience directing live digital productions on multiple platforms.
• Thorough understanding of formal project management methodologies including the ability to identify and resolve issues, manage risk, budgets and timelines, develop work plans and specifications, perform resource allocations and run team meetings.
• Demonstrated experience with digital media revenue models and programmatic advertising.
• Masterful understanding of Search Engine Optimization methods, data analytics, and
• Experience creating and programming video content, and publishing to live streams
• Strong base of current sports knowledge, including teams, players and storylines
• Understand and follow closely the latest in social media trends.
• Excellent headline writing skills; an understanding of optimal tactics for social distribution.
• Strong understanding of core characteristics of ''viral'' content
• Ability to work quickly and juggle multiple varied tasks during a typical work day

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience managing large-scale YouTube and/or Media channel(s)
• A thorough understanding of digital video production is mandatory.
• Experience in editing content, specific to the needs and specs for multiple social media platforms.
• Advanced non-linear editing skills (Quantel, Final Cut, Avid, Premiere, After Effects, etc.)
• Experience working in a mobile-first content environment
• Experience managing social media accounts for large audiences.
• Experience working with a variety of digital content management systems
• Exposure to technical and product teams in a digital media organization
• Strong presentation skills

Required Education
• Bachelor's Degree in communication arts, journalism or new media or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-dy8xep-18-119-160-154-42 in your application.