Director of Affiliate Relations

NESN seeks a full-time, Director of Affiliate Relations to support overall linear service distribution through programming/content sales, strategy development, and partnership negotiations that achieve affiliate revenue objectives for two RSNs in 11 states.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Foster relations with existing and new affiliates via in-person contact for the purpose of securing distribution renewals and launches, development of co-branded product initiatives and realization of local ad sales value
• Negotiate and close independent affiliate agreements and assist with MSO renewals per expiration of agreements
• Support NESN 360 offering (e.g., authenticated usage)
• Administer contract terms at the affiliate programming, finance, marketing and ad sales levels
• Develop presentations
• Forecast affiliate revenue and associated metrics, including annual churn, growth rates, and analysis of other key information
• Communicate status of contract negotiations, budget tracking, distribution and strategic initiatives to VP, Affiliate Relations on a regular basis
• Support terrestrial affiliate feed operations (e.g., DMAs, dual programming, distributor NOC engagements)
• Further favorable company profile through involvement in industry functions
• Host clients at network suites for pro games, attend trade shows and affiliate events to promote the networks and foster relationships
• Manage departmental expenses
• Support marketing and promotional activities of the network through use of available affiliate resources
• Support accurate database management consisting of affiliate programming, marketing, engineering, finance and ad sales personnel
• Work and communicate with both outside and parent company counsel, numerous internal departments and companies within parent companies’ portfolios

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of recent experience in programming/content distribution and affiliate sales or similar position in digital and/or entertainment media
• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong communication, client interfacing and negotiation skills; understanding of contracts is essential
• Understanding of media landscape, trends and emerging business models, and proven ability to think strategically and analytically is desired

Expected Work Hours:

• Minimum 40 hours per week, plus some weekends and holidays
• This is a five day per week, in-person, in-office position
• Travel required for client visits and industry gatherings

Who We Are

NESN (New England Sports Network) is owned by Fenway Sports Group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins among other holdings, and Delaware North, owners of the Boston Bruins. NESN is delivered throughout the six-state New England region and nationally as NESN National. The definitive source for New England sports programming, NESN consistently has been one of the top-rated regional sports networks in the country, with a reputation for innovative and award-winning production of sports events and specials.

NESN also manages SportsNet Pittsburgh, a recently branded regional sports network that televises Pittsburgh Penguins games, as well as local college sports, original content and more in PA, WV, and portions of MD, OH and NY.

Our professional environment is passionate, adaptable, creative, and filled with aspiring individuals who are driven to grow with our company. Our core values are at the heart of who we are. We have a spontaneous and vibrant culture, and we truly believe in team spirit and collaboration.

NESN is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer. We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunities for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans are especially encouraged to apply.