ESPN is looking for a Director II to line-direct live productions in-house (REMI) and on-remote for our most complex and high-profile sporting events. This role executes the technical production, follows storylines, and partners with Producers to document events, while also handling long-range planning, crew oversight, and mentoring directorial staff.

What You'll Do

Plan, direct, and execute on-air productions of live remote and REMI sporting events, properly documenting assigned events.
Oversee technical crew for live event productions, providing direction, feedback, and development.
Partner with Remote Operations to determine technical facility and personnel needs for telecasts.
Collaborate with Producers and Coordinating Producers to determine creative vision and technical direction, driving innovation and new workflows.
Organize and lead meetings to develop production and operational strategies when necessary.
Make real-time decisions regarding what pictures and sounds will be broadcast; interpret data to decide camera angles, features, and sequences.
Work with Producer and Operations team to determine camera placement at venues; plan and execute capture of desired shots, live-to-tape builds, and sequences.
Work with engineering technicians for integration of all telecast elements including graphics, enhanced technology, switcher effects, and music.
Direct technical crews and remote employees; conduct production and technical meetings to define crew responsibilities and expectations.
Collaborate with the Crewing department to assign technical production crews; provide post-event feedback to Remote Operations and Crewing.
Prepare for each game by conducting research on teams, players, storylines, and trends.
Provide instruction to on-air talent prior to telecasts and direct them as required during telecasts.
Make on-the-spot editorial adjustments to coverage patterns as unforeseen situations arise.
Troubleshoot real-time operational issues that arise during assigned sporting events.
Direct studio-related productions, both in-house and on-remote.
Provide ongoing, thoughtful, and comprehensive written feedback to Directors and Associate Directors for management.
Participate in periodic clip review sessions with Managers and the Event Directing team to further develop directing skills.
Practice and maintain Directing Department performance standards for leadership, communication, operations, personal development, and productions.
Demonstrate strong leadership qualities in all interactions and decisions.

What We're Looking For

Minimum of 10 years of progressively complex live sporting event directing experience.
In-depth live remote sporting event directing skills.
Knowledge of the real-time live sporting event directing process.
Ability to clearly and concisely communicate to all crew members during the live telecast.
Knowledge of the technical equipment involved in directing live remote sporting events.
Knowledge of sports and sports history.
High school diploma.

Nice to Have

Previous experience directing professional hockey events.
Understanding of the financial implications of directing live remote and REMI sporting events.
Appreciation of popular culture and assistance in defining ESPN viewer tastes.
Understanding of the market positioning and strategies of assigned sporting events.
Bachelor’s degree in broadcasting, communications, journalism or a closely related field.