The Senior Director, Fantasy will have oversight responsibilities for a $15 million Fantasy Products business, including product planning, content development, launch planning and discussion of strategy for new business. The Senior Director will also act as main contact and decision-maker in discussions and activities pertaining to promotion, marketing, advertising sales and integration of the New Media Group Fantasy efforts into the greater company-wide efforts. The Sr. Director will lead a team effort comprised of direct reports and colleagues from all areas of the New Media Group organization. Together the team will strategize and develop new ideas for innovative ways to generate fantasy traffic, content and products. In addition to the business-side responsibilities, the Sr. Director, Fantasy will contribute to the development of content in connection with ESPN fantasy coverage.
Job Duties will include:
• Develop the strategic initiatives and business objectives of ESPN.com’s Fantasy Games businesses;
• Provide feedback and consultation to technology group for functionality and feature sets of Fantasy Games products
• Responsible for Fantays P&L, which is projected to bring in millions in subscription revenue and additional millions in sponsorship revenue.
• Work closely with editorial, marketing, engineering and design to prioritize initiatives
• Manage fantasy staff that reports to this position and act in advisory capacity to personnel from other areas, as appropriate
• Responsible for all business activity related to Fantasy Games, including execution of deals, establishing partnerships, approval of talent contracts and setting strategies for new technologies (wireless, broadband, etc.)
• Drive TV integration, where possible. Act as internal representative to television production, programming and affiliate sales for Fantasy Games and drive integration in those areas.
• Make a reasonable number of on air appearances, either via the network or internet, in connection with ESPN’s fantasy coverage
• Contribute to Fantasy coverage across the full spectrum of ESPN platforms, including the Magazine, the internet and radio
Required Qualifications
A qualified candidate will 10+ years of related work experience with a proven track record of 5+ years of managing online and/or new media properties, preferably including oversight of a robust Fantasy Game-based operation. In addition, the candidate will be a subject matter expert in the area of online fantasy gaming. Additional qualifications include:
–Extensive experience working within the fantasy sports field, including expert knowledge of existing products, sites and key players
–A proven track record of managing external marketing relationships;
–A proven track record of financial success in leading an online endeavor, preferable fantasy-game-based
–Demonstrated success leading a team, preferably with some experience managing an online fantasy organization
–Proven interdisciplinary project management experience, including strategic and financial planning, sales, programming and marketing
–Thorough understanding of the businesses of ESPN;
–A robust roster of contacts and relationships within the fantasy community
–A bachelor’s degree or higher in Journalism, Communications, Computer Science, or a related field.