Specialist, Local Media Affiliate Operations

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 Specialist level at MLB Network to support distribution of MLB Media’s growing portfolio with traditional and virtual MVPDs by spearheading affiliate technical/operational efforts (including but not limited to: launch authorizations, blackout implementation, VOD and TV Everywhere) for MLB local club rights, MLB Network and NHL Network. The ideal candidate will have expertise in sports media and operations.

Responsibilities:

• Organize launch authorizations and perform blackout-related activity and responsibilities for MLB local club distribution, MLB Network and NHL Network – primary internal liaison and external communicator to distribution partners.
• Project manage current and new processes for feed distribution/delivery and blackout implementation on traditional and virtual distribution platforms.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with corporate and local production, engineering and headend contacts in order to ensure streamlined distribution paths and efficient information gathering.
• Manage and coordinate technical distribution of Strike Zone.
• Oversee planning, distribution and reporting of MLB Network and NHL Network VOD products.
• Ensure distribution of MLB Network and NHL Network across contracted league and club hotels nationwide.
• Serve as primary affiliate liaison to external delivery and transmission vendors (e.g. Comcast Technology Solutions, Encompass, Intelsat, etc.).
• Prepare and manage all affiliate blackout communication and retunes internally (Operations and NOC Supervisors) and externally via coordination across multiple automated and manual blackout tools (SCTE, TVE, etc.).
• Prepare team territory lists for distribution to NOC Supervisors.
• Serve as resident expert on club television territory maps and zip codes.
• Prepare and message programming coverage charts.
• Attend Conditions meetings, work with NOC Director to write and communicate daily plans for Master Control operators.
• Assist or provide backup to NOC Supervisor for re-tunes of IRDs on game days.
• Ability to quickly troubleshoot technical issues and blackout discrepancies.
• Answer general questions from affiliate sales hotline.
• Provide backup to technical hotline.
• Other such duties as required.

Qualifications and Skills:

• A minimum of 4-6 years of experience in virtual/traditional MVPD partnerships and marketing, sports media, and/or media operations is required.
• Candidate must be proficient in Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• Candidate must be familiar with MLB and NHL broadcast territories and apply knowledge effectively.
• Ability to work effectively with Production, Engineering and Broadcasting departments.
• 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.
• 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.
• Curious businessperson with the ability to develop creative solutions.
• Prompt and regular attendance at an assigned work location.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree is required.

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!