Sr Technical Director

Position Summary: Senior Technical Directors work with the Directors and control room staff before and during productions.  Work will be performed in a fast-paced environment for a wide variety of studio shows and events.  The Senior Technical Director in the Studio Operations group will be responsible for preparing and switching video elements during live and pre-recorded productions while ensuring all content meets ESPN’s high standards of quality.  

Responsibilities:

• Expert level operation of all broadcast equipment and technology within assigned operating areas, including but not limited to Technical Directing functions (e.g. operating video switchers, implementing sources, creating displays, interfacing with external devices, creating user and suite preferences).  
• Building and maintaining effects for various productions, coordinating associated communication and documentation with the entire Technical Directing team. 
• Demonstrating expert knowledge of plant signal flow/routing.
• Performing at an expert level under strict timelines and/or live conditions. 
• Taking a lead role in special event coverage and projects as necessary.   
• Expected to influence and lead training programs and timelines for staff development, generating training documentation.  Assisting with strategy and/or operations planning in the business unit.  
• Create learning opportunities that foster development for other operators. 
• Participation in training programs, (physical, classroom, virtual, etc.) for self-career development and/or regarding any relevant equipment and workflow changes within the operation.
• Expected to file reports, as necessary, on specific working conditions, equipment status, and personal development at the request of management.  
• Problem-solving, troubleshooting and effective communication to best convey any issues needing resolution.
• Participation in required administrative tasks including, but not limited to, the effective utilization of all ESPN software-based applications (such as time entry, travel and expense filing,) and daily shift reporting.  
• Embrace company initiatives including town halls and/or departmental meetings, upward feedback, performance management applications and employee surveys.  Encourage others to do the same.  
• Prioritizing and disseminating information among the entire control room crew to ensure seamless productions.  
• Understanding complex information and disseminating it to proper personnel in a clear and concise manner. 
• Detailed knowledge of specific workflows for identifying and resolving operational errors and equipment failure.   
• Seeking out information regarding the workflow of other business units, including their impact and/or specific integration with Content Operations, and utilizing that information to enhance processes and/or educate others. 
• Any other duties needed to help achieve business objectives

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 6 years practical content production or related experience at the large market or network level.  
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays. 
• Flexibility to alter shifts/days off and work overtime to accommodate projects and departmental objectives.   
• Must demonstrate ability to perform tasks under tight deadlines, work independently and lead simultaneous projects.   
• Strong interpersonal communication skills are a necessity.  
• Organizational, efficiency and planning skills are required.      
• Ability to initiate and lead projects especially with regards to training and enhancing business workflows.  
• Ability to work as a part of a team dynamic.  
• Must be willing and able to adapt to a constantly changing environment.  
• Candidates must have solid computer background (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc...) and strong communication skills.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expert knowledge of all production equipment and technology within assigned operating areas, including but not limited to: Video production switchers, server-based recording/playback systems and related control devices, TV Production routers, intercom systems, signal conversion equipment, etc.  
• Extensive experience in a live production control room environment.  
• Experience working on location in video production trucks for remote events.  
• Familiarity with production control room automation systems (e.g. Grass Valley Ignite).  
• Bilingual (written and spoken) in both English and Spanish.  

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent 

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's Degree 

Additional Information: (i.e. physical requirements, holiday, nights, weekend shifts, etc.)

Position requires ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Flexibility to come in early/stay late

The hiring range for this position in Inglewood, CA is $79,400 to $106,400 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.