Director, Local Media Distribution

MLB Network•Secaucus, NJ

About The Position

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

Requirements

A minimum of 10+ years of experience in virtual/traditional MVPD partnerships and marketing, sports media, and/or media strategy 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 successfully 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.
Ability to work in New Jersey and/or New York City.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Finance or related field is required

Nice To Haves

MBA/JD preferred.

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.
Spearhead the planning and governance of OTA promotional game packages, overseeing strategic direction and serving as a liaison between MLB and the MLB local clubs.
Source new business and distribution opportunities across linear and digital partners.
Provide analytical support for senior executive team.
Collaborate closely with MLB Local Media, MLB Network, and NHL Network stakeholders to support and oversee partner-facing initiatives across linear and digital platforms.
Serve as a key cross-functional liaison between distribution, marketing, and external partners to review, align on, and approve partner marketing submissions, ensuring consistency with MLB guidelines and brand standards.
Foster and maintain relationships with marketing/ad sales contacts and decision-makers at corporate, region, division and system levels.
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.
Strategically develop and execute local ad sales and corporate promotional programs and campaigns to help affiliates maximize value from network.
Represent company effectively and travel extensively to perform assigned functions at trade shows, conferences, baseball/hockey games, etc.
Other such duties as required.