Director, Research & Analytics

The ESPN Research team utilizes all facets of media research and internal analytics solutions (Nielsen, comScore, Adobe Analytics, etc.) as well as primary and syndicated research sources to inform ESPN and the larger Walt Disney Company on sports content and product performance. The ESPN Research team is part of the larger ESPN Finance, Strategy and Research Group, a group of world-class professionals managing and analyzing all aspects of ESPN businesses and providing tactical insights that drive our businesses forward.

The Director, Research & Analytics will focus on supporting ESPN’s industry leading Digital Products – The ESPN App, ESPN.com and ESPN Fantasy. They will direct reporting and analyses for a broad group of company stakeholders, define Key Performance Indicators, business metrics and provide insights on user behavior utilizing internal analytics and proprietary data sources.  They will work closely with other Data and Analytics teams across the Walt Disney Company to utilize company data infrastructure and resources to align and scale support for ESPN’s Digital experiences and businesses.  This role will have two direct reports, a manager and analyst, and will oversee their daily workload.  Secondarily, they will be involved in primary research efforts for understanding the “why” behind the ESPN Digital user’s engagement with our products and services. This person should be naturally curious, thoughtful, creative and have a strong analytical background. The individual will have a passion for understanding sports fans and the digital media industry. This position will report to the Sr. Director, Digital Research & Analytics, will collaborate closely with others in the broader ESPN Research organization, with primary stakeholders in the ESPN Digital Experience & Engagement and Disney Entertainment & ESPN Sports Product teams.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the reporting and communications of ESPN’s Digital Product performance through standardized reporting
• Develop and lead ad-hoc analyses on user behavior for ESPN’s Digital Products features and content engagement
• Translate findings and deliver clear actionable insights to senior management to grow engagement with ESPN’s Digital Products
• Be actively aware of sports media and direct-to-consumer businesses to contextualize insights
• Manage day-to-day workload of direct reports

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years of Digital research or Analytics experience within media, ecommerce, startup, agency, or research supplier. 
• Digital analytics tools like Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics and Conviva
• Strong written and communication skills.
• Understanding of the market positioning and strategies of ESPN and the Walt Disney Company.
• Collaborative nature and ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to produce original ideas when analyzing problems.
• Prior person management experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of data visualization tools like Looker, MicroStrategy and Tableau
• Data Science code: SQL, Python and R
• Social Analytics tools such as Sprinklr, Shareablee, Tubular, etc.
• Experience reporting on and managing comScore and Nielsen’s digital suite of products
• Online survey software like Qualtrics

Required Education:

• Undergraduate Degree

#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.

Client-provided location(s): Bristol, CT

Job ID: 78631233

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-12-24T01:01:47