Manager, Local Media Distribution and Affiliate Operations

MLB/MLB Network’s Content Distribution team is responsible for the distribution and monetization of MLB’s local rights, Direct-to-Consumer products, and MLB/NHL Network across both traditional and digital platforms. We are seeking a candidate at the Manager level at MLB Network to lead and support distribution of MLB Media’s growing portfolio of MLB club rights from both a strategic/deal execution and operational perspective. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in structuring and executing linear and digital distribution deals across both traditional and virtual MVPDs, along with media operations experience.

Responsibilities:

• Working closely with other members of the Content Distribution team to develop MLB’s ongoing strategy with respect to local rights distribution, including creation of executive-level presentations and research.
• Preparation of deal materials leading up to and throughout key renewals.
• Negotiation and execution of linear distribution agreements with traditional and virtual MVPDs.
• Ongoing fulfillment and support of existing partnerships.
• Day-to-day management of assigned corporate and all regional MVPD accounts.
• Source new business and distribution opportunities.
• Foster and maintain relationships with marketing/ad sales contacts and decision-makers at corporate, region, division and system levels.
• Provide analytical support for senior executive team.
• Strategically develop and execute local ad sales and corporate promotional programs and campaigns to help affiliates maximize value from network.
• Serve as primary affiliate operations backup/support for various MLB local media, MLB Network and NHL Network functions, including: blackouts/regionalization, preparation of internal/external blackout communication, launch authorizations, Strike Zone, Video On Demand, TV Everywhere, digital/virtual distribution, etc.
• Work closely with affiliates to help leverage the partnership and maximize promotion, tune-in and awareness of MLB local clubs, MLB Network and NHL Network.
• Represent company effectively and travel extensively to perform assigned functions at trade shows, conferences, baseball/hockey games, etc.
• Other such duties as required.

Qualifications and Skills:

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in virtual/traditional MVPD partnerships and marketing, sports media, and/or media operations is required.
• Experience in local/RSN linear rights negotiations with traditional and virtual MVPDs.
• Strong understanding of and experience with deal structuring within the linear local sports media landscape.
• Prior experience and working knowledge of legal contracts and ability to successful negotiate deals to completion.
• Strong industry relationships built over years of partner management and deal negotiations.
• Candidate must be proficient in Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must possess a high level of attention to detail and superior follow up skills.
• Must be available evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Individual must work well in a dynamic environment and be able to recommend and implement process improvements.
• Demonstrate the tact, diplomacy, decisiveness, and superior people skills required in the pressurized environment of the live sports media industry. 
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously in a demanding, fast-paced, high-exposure environment.
• Ability to organize and schedule work effectively.
• Ability to work well independently and under time constraints.
• Strong leadership experience. 
• Curious businessperson with the ability to develop creative solutions.
• Great teammate with strong project management and organizational skills.
• Positive can-do attitude with demonstrated creativity, initiative and persistence.
• Ability to persuade and resolve problems in a professional manner.
• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Possess the manual dexterity needed to effectively create required work product. 
• Possess the visual acuity needed to effectively create required work product.
• Possess the auditory acuity needed to effectively create required work product.
• Must possess excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Prompt and regular attendance at an assigned work location.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Finance or related field is required; MBA/JD preferred.

Position Reports to:

• Vice President, Affiliate Sales and Marketing

 

Top MLB Network Perks & Benefits:

• Exceptional Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage 
• Company Contributed 401K Plan 
• Paid Time Off and Holidays 
• Family Leave Benefits
• Commuter Benefits
• Discounts at MLB Store | MLBShop.com
• Disability Benefits (short term and long term)
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement

Why MLB Network?

MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans, with studios located in Secaucus, N.J., just minutes from New York City. Featuring live regular season game telecasts, original programming, highlights, insights and analysis from the best in the business, MLB Network produces baseball content for delivery to multiple media platforms. Cutting-edge technology is used to create MLB Network's Emmy Award-winning programming via roles in live studio and remote production, operations, engineering, media management, creative services, social media and others.

MLB Network is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.  We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. We also only consider qualified applicants’ criminal histories when required by legal requirements. 

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email us at [email protected]. Requests received for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

Are you ready to Step Up to the Plate? Apply below!