Senior Director of Studio & Event Operations Job at NESN in Watertown

NESN (New England Sports Network) is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Director of Studio & Event Operations to oversee studio operations, live event operations, network operations, and NESN's Watertown facility and remote studios. This position reports directly to NESN's Chief Operating Officer. As the regional sports home for the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins, this role ensures that all broadcasts and studio productions run smoothly, with a focus on communication, coaching, operational efficiency, safety, and high-quality content. The Senior Director will manage key operations staff and facilities, as well as foster strong relationships with external vendors and partners. Additionally, this role will be responsible for reviewing NESN's business continuity plan and departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on a regular basis. The Senior Director works collaboratively and in lockstep with NESN's Content, Sales, Finance, Digital, Affiliate, Traffic, Technology, Engineering, and Master Control teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of NESN's studio, live event, and network operations teams.
• Oversee critical operational teams, including but not limited to, studio operations, event operations, game directors, studio directors, technical directors (TDs), audio personnel, studio technicians, editors, EVS operators, videographers, manager on duty, and operations scheduler.
• Provide operational oversight of NESN's Watertown facility, remote studios, and safety protocols, ensuring all environments are secure and compliant with operational standards.
• Regularly review NESN's business continuity plan and departmental SOPs to ensure readiness and efficiency in the event of any operational disruption.
• Develop and maintain operational workflows that enhance efficiency and align with NESN's production goals.
• Manage and optimize vendor relationships, including oversight of truck and crewing providers.
• Negotiate vendor agreements with third party companies and create deal summaries for those agreements.
• Collaborate closely with the Content, Sales, Traffic, Digital, Finance, Technology, Engineering, and Master Control teams to ensure seamless integration of technical operations into live and studio broadcasts.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all operational areas, implementing new technologies and systems to improve broadcast quality and reliability.
• Monitor, evaluate, and adjust operational strategies based on industry trends, viewer feedback, and technological advancements.
• Lead NESN's operational workflow for its FAST channel (launching in Q4)
• Constantly foster a collaborative and empowering work environment that is rooted in creativity, accountability, respect, and cross-training.
• Oversee operational budgeting and resource allocation, ensuring cost-effective operations without compromising quality.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including safety standards, union requirements, and broadcast rules.
• Serve as a senior leader within the organization, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and results-driven culture within the operations team.
• Regularly communicate and as needed assist the Director of Production and Operations for SportsNet Pittsburgh.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

We believe in the potential within every individual. If you're passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed within this job description.

Qualifications:

• 10-15 years of experience in broadcast operations, with a minimum of 7-10 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience managing studio and live event operations, with a deep understanding of technical production workflows (studio and field).
• Strong leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to manage large, cross-functional teams, including technical staff, videographers, and broadcast personnel.
• Expertise in vendor management, including negotiating and overseeing contracts with truck providers, crewing companies, and other service vendors.
• Extensive knowledge of technology, equipment and a curiosity for staying ahead of the operational curve.
• In-depth knowledge of live event production, including camera operations, audio systems, video editing, and EVS workflows.
• Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced, live broadcast environments, managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on operational efficiency and quality improvement.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working across departments to align operational goals with business objectives.
• Proven track record of hiring, developing and growing employees' skillsets.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as broadcast engineering, operations management, or media production; advanced degrees are a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with digital content production and distribution platforms (OTT, FAST, streaming, etc.).
• Familiarity with vendor management systems and scheduling software for operations teams.
• Knowledge of union rules and broadcast compliance standards.

We believe that when team members feel supported, they are more engaged, productive, and innovative. If you're looking for a workplace that celebrates people and their personal and professional growth, you've come to the right place.

Some of the benefits we provide include:

• Medical and Dental plans which are currently funded by NESN at approximately 85%
• Pre-Tax HSA, FSA and Dependent Care Account
• 401(k) plan with employer match of 100% up to the first 6% of compensation, 3% contribution through Safe Harbor and discretionary profit sharing of up to 6%.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability which are currently 100% funded by NESN
• Paid parental leave
• Time Off Benefits - Eligible NESN Employees accrue Paid Time Off equaling 160 hours or 20 days for the full year
• Team Store Discounts - Employees will receive a discount of 50% at the Red Sox Team Store and 25% off at the Bruins Pro Shop with a valid NESN Employee ID
• Paid Volunteerism - NESN provides eligible employees with up to 24 hours (3 days) of paid time to participate in NESN Connects events.
• Tuition Reimbursement - NESN provides a generous Tuition Reimbursement Program to assist employees who aspire to further their education to learn & grow within their careers.
• LinkedIn Learning Courses - Eligible employees receive a free membership to LinkedIn Learning which provides on-demand learning to thousands of courses anytime, anywhere from your computer to your mobile device.
• MBTA Reimbursement - Eligible employees may be reimbursed up to $100 per month for the use of Mass Transit if it is their primary mode of transportation to & from work
• Travel Assistance & ID Theft Protection
• Estate Guidance - The Hartford helps employees protect their family's future by creating a customized and legally binding will online using a simple but comprehensive online questionnaire.
• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts - As a NESN employee, you are eligible for other discounts & perks such as pet insurance, tickets, travel, dry cleaning, mobile phones, and much more!

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.

As of Fall 2023, NESN manages SportsNet Pittsburgh, a newly branded regional sports network that televises Pittsburgh Penguins and Pirates 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.