Job Summary:

The day-to-day music point of contact is involved in the supervision, clearance and organization of music media for assigned productions.  Works under the Creative Director, Music to secure music rights and develop music concepts in collaboration with ESPN content creators.  Ensures all ESPN content adheres to music policy and meets compliance standards under the direction of the Coordinating Director of Music and Creative Director, Music.

Introduction:

ESPN, Inc., The Worldwide Leader in Sports, is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities. Headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut, ESPN is 80% owned by ABC, Inc. (a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company), and 20% by the Hearst Corporation.

ESPN was founded by Bill Rasmussen and launched on September 7, 1979. Now with over 6,500 employees, each year ESPN televises more than 5,100 live and/or original hours of sports programming. The company’s mission is to serve sports fans. Anytime. Anywhere.

Responsibilities:

• Works under the general direction of the Creative Director, Music as the department point of contact for assigned ESPN projects and productions.

• Assists the in-house producers and third-party contractors with guidance related to music procedures, explanations of standards and policies.

• Organize, coordinate and deliver series/seasonal music packages for assigned Productions.

• Prepare clearance requests; manage status reporting for productions and correspond with clearance house through to execution and payment.

• Negotiate, prepare, review and monitor licensing agreements, in collaboration with the Licensing team through to completion and payment.

• Facilitate the review of third-party contracts and advise outside producers on the requirement of ESPN Music policy.

• Manages, tracks and promotes compliance for cue sheet reporting for assigned programs.

• Participates in regular meetings with assigned productions focusing on creating a plan for the use of music elements within a specific budget.

• Oversee, update and review the clearance of commercial music for broadcasts.

• Edits thematic, commercial and library music cuts, as needed.

• Conducts ongoing quality control of series / seasonal thematic music packages.

• Evaluates and recommends music for specific shows, related productions and projects.

• Oversees the organization of theme and support music; accesses music repositories and libraries to maintain and refresh source audio for assigned shows.

• Assists others on music team with semi-routine music-related projects and tasks, as needed.

• Coordinates with production and legal for any licensing necessary for music created for the production.

• Active partner in selecting music themes and elements for assigned productions.

Basic Requirements:

• Typically, candidate has 2 to 3 years of progressively complex licensing experience in music/broadcasting industries.

• Ability to make or recommend music-related decisions that are subject to regular review by management.

• Experience translating project requirements and specific directions into music concepts and music selections.

• Operates within the context of highly defined processes, clear artistic direction, and defined program and project objectives and outcomes.

• Strong organizational, attention to detail and problem-solving skills with an inner passion for doing great work.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Able to meet critical deadlines under challenging situations.

• Keeps abreast of trends in popular music.

• Knowledge of both Mac and PC operating systems required, including proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel or similar applications.   

Preferred Requirements:

• Fluent in Spanish

• Licensing experience in music/broadcasting industries

• Has good knowledge of music editing using standard audio editing platforms and software packages such as Sound Forge or Adobe Audition; knowledge of ProTools is a plus

• Has a basic understanding of ESPN’s standards and policies related to music

Basic Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree

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