Senior Director, Talent Acquisition - ESPN

Job ID 10104564 Location Bristol, Connecticut, United States Business ESPN Date posted Oct. 28, 2024

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Job Summary:

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. We are always finding new ways to interact with fans-- however and wherever they connect to sports. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

Storytelling is at the heart of what we do at ESPN and we believe that our talent is what sets us apart. The talent acquisition team plays a critical role in sourcing, engaging, and advocating for exceptionally talented candidates to work for our brand.

The Senior Director, Talent Acquisition for ESPN provides leadership, strategic and cross-functional direction to support all businesses within ESPN to bring in top industry talent. The position is based in Bristol, CT and reports to the Vice President, Talent Acquisition. The Senior Director, Talent Acquisition will manage a team of recruitment professionals supporting the ongoing talent needs of a workforce of 6,000+ employees. This individual will serve as a thought leader on attracting and retaining best-in-class talent across the ESPN businesses.

We are looking for an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader who will both execute our current talent acquisition initiatives aggressively while also effectively using creativity and resourcefulness to develop new approaches to drive ESPN’s need to increase our ability to attract and secure top industry talent in an ever-changing media environment.

Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day operations for the ESPN Talent Acquisition team, partnering with key stakeholders to develop and implement innovative, competitive talent acquisition strategies
Establish credibility with the business as a trusted advisor who provides expert advice relative to the integration of talent strategies, processes, programs and practices
Oversee ESPN’s diversity recruiting initiatives and partner with internal teams to evaluate their effectiveness
Drive and leverage insights for meaningful impact, influence, and measures of success
Engage and inspire the ESPN Talent Acquisition team by turning vision into action, motivating others to achieve goals, and following through on decisions
Assist with budget planning and manage priorities to maximize investments and achieve cost efficiencies
Evaluate and improve tracking tools and systems to support effective recruitment efforts across ESPN
Represent, contribute, and integrate broader talent acquisition strategic priorities
With a coaching mentality, develop and grow a highly functioning recruitment organization that will continue to drive innovation and growth across the company
Lead and collaborate with peers on multiple workflows and projects tied to strategic priorities that are critical to our success including but not limited to: the Disney Entertainment - Television TA team, Diversity & Inclusion, Events, Talent Acquisition Marketing & Executive Search

Basic Qualifications

10+ years of Talent Acquisition Leadership experience supporting hiring for sports, news, creative, or production businesses (or equivalent)
Collaboration first approach that leans into the strengths of others to find the best solutions to solve the most challenging problems
Commitment to driving diversity and quality with every hire at scale
Proven leadership track record managing senior executive relationships
Ability to collaborate and build relationships with partners across functional and organizational lines while navigating matrixed organizational structures (i.e. HR Business Partners, Compensation, Learning & Development, Process & Infrastructure, TA Marketing)
Ability to create and implement successful recruitment, sourcing, selection and assessment strategies
Superior organizational and process management skills as demonstrated by an ability to manage multiple detailed projects and drive to deadlines
Knowledge of, and experience with, technology tools to support the recruitment function
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated understanding of the sports media business

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About ESPN:

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. Every day we’re doing things that no one has done, all in a dynamic culture where we defy odds and continuously outdo ourselves. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with ESPN, Inc, which is part of a business we call ESPN.

ESPN, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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Explore this Location Bristol, CT

The Heart of Connecticut Bristol, Connecticut is just two hours from Boston and New York and just an hour from the shoreline. From the natural beauty of picturesque hills and fall foliage, to the high tech satellite dishes of ESPN, Bristol’s “City sized” with a small town vibe, offering wonderful memories no matter your pace.