Director Ad Operations

Job ID 10138986 Location New York, New York, United States Business ESPN Date posted Jan. 15, 2026

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Job Summary:

The Media Planning Team at ESPN develops innovative media plans that drive awareness, consumption, subscriptions, and brand affinity across all properties and platforms to affect the ESPN business.

As the Ad Operations Director at ESPN, you will play a crucial role in driving the success of our advertising strategies within the dynamic and innovative sports media industry. You will be responsible for leading the Ad Ops team at ESPN, ensuring the seamless execution of ad operations, and optimizing cross-platform data collection to enhance fan engagement. Your leadership will be instrumental in fostering an environment where game-changing ideas and world-class talent thrive, ultimately contributing to extraordinary experiences for our audience. The role will focus on ESPN’s approach for technical implementation across all digital campaigns. This role reports to the Sr. Director Media Operations for the time being. This role is based in New York, NY.

Responsibilities:

Develop departmental plans and priorities guided by resource availability and functional objectives.
Set organizational priorities and allocate resources effectively.
Strengthen coordination with DAS and Publicis for unified paid/owned strategy.
Implement measurement infrastructure critical for DTC optimization and cross-platform data collection.
Collaborate cross-segment with Disney Ad Ops and other marketing partners to bring new ideas, innovate strategies, and drive best-in-practice standards.
Manage two or more employees, providing continuous coaching and feedback to enhance organizational culture and grow professional careers.
Inspire individual and business success by clarifying the organization's vision and strategies.
Define strategies, expectations, and priorities to empower your team.
Develop self and others, support career aspirations and encouraging creative problem-solving.
Create an environment where Disney values are experienced and sustained.

Required Qualifications:

Minimum 10 years of experience in ad operations with a minimum of 3 years in people management.
Skilled in strategic planning and prioritization.
Proficient in collaboration and building partnerships.
Manage ad serving platforms, trafficking, tagging (pixels, 1x1s), data discrepancies, and technical troubleshooting
Knowledgeable in ad operations and cross-platform data collection.
Innovative and tech-savvy with a creative mindset.
Strong leadership and mentorship abilities.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in sports media and fan engagement.
Passionate and enthusiastic about innovative strategies.
Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic environment.
Creative thinker with a bold approach to problem-solving.

Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, analytics, or related field.

#ESPNMedia

The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $145,800.00 to $195,500.00 per year. 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.

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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 Sales & Marketing, Inc., which is part of a business we call ESPN.

ESPN Sales & Marketing, 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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