Assignment Editor
About the role
The Assignment Editor I will coordinate the efforts of freelance and staff reporters and associated production/technical personnel in worldwide electronic sports coverage to provide visual sports/news program material for all aspects of the International Sports Centers, and related shows including but not limited to ESPN PacRim, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Latin America regions, ESPN UK, and ESPN Brasil, ESPN China and Netherlands. Oversees all details of specific projects as assigned by Assignment Manager and International Sports Center Coordinating Producers. Recommends and suggests appropriate production and editorial emphasis, and techniques to field reporters in order to enhance coverage and story impact. Responsible for keeping constant communication between International and Domestic efforts relating to sports news or news coverage. Handles all ancillary crew needs, such as parking, credentials, Ethernet, phone lines, and permits. Understands basic rights and clearances issues. Participates in strategic editorial and logistical planning of coverage. Acts as the liaison between the Bureau staff, Shows, Media Operations, and Transmission. Gathers and communicates content for use on ESPN platforms, working with ESPN staff and vendors, social media, affiliates and other networks. Shifts will include nights and weekends.
The hiring manager described the ideal candidate as entry- to mid-level, with approximately three years of relevant experience in production, newsroom, assignment desk, digital content, or related media operations. They are looking less for deep technical expertise and more for someone who: is highly organized; thrives in a fast-paced newsroom environment; has a production mindset and understands how media operations function; communicates effectively with multiple stakeholders; can quickly absorb training and new processes; demonstrates flexibility and initiative; has a genuine interest in sports, particularly international sports, though deep soccer expertise is not required.
The manager emphasized that candidates do not need to be soccer experts. An ideal candidate: enjoys sports in general; understands basic distinctions between major international soccer leagues (EPL, Bundesliga, La Liga, etc.); may also have knowledge of NFL, MLB, NBA, or other major sports; can learn sports-specific content quickly.
What will make a candidate stand out: production or newsroom experience; experience working with multiple stakeholders and high email volume; assignment desk