Communications Manager

Communications Manager

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Job ID : 10135987

Location : Bristol, Connecticut, United States / Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Job Summary

Communications Manager, College GameDay, serves as the lead communications contact for ESPN’s College GameDay Built by The Home Depot (football), managing all aspects of publicity, media relations and communications strategy for the iconic show. The role also supports broader ESPN college sports PR efforts across football, basketball, the NFL Draft on ABC, Olympic sports and select conferences and organizations. This position requires strong storytelling instincts, established media relationships and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑profile environment.

Responsibilities

Lead all communications and publicity efforts for College GameDay, including strategy, media relations and managing on‑site and behind‑the‑scenes access for media.

Serve as a secondary communications contact for ESPN’s college football and basketball portfolios.

Oversee PR efforts for additional college sports programming, including ABC’s NFL Draft coverage and select Olympic sports.

Develop and execute strategic publicity campaigns to enhance visibility and brand reputation.

Identify, craft and pitch compelling storylines to a wide range of national and regional media outlets.

Manage relationships and coordinate interviews with key ESPN executives, on‑air talent and production leaders.

Write and edit press materials, including press releases, media kits, fact sheets and bios.

Coordinate press events and manage logistics for media attending GameDay sites.

Anticipate and manage issues, creating proactive communication strategies and messaging for external audiences.

Serve as a 360 communicator – creating written and multimedia content for internal and external platforms, including ESPN Front Row and PR social channels.

Support broader college sports PR initiatives, including championship coverage, ratings announcements and other major events.

Build and maintain strong relationships with media across sports, business, television, entertainment and digital platforms.

Leverage social media and digital tools to amplify ESPN messaging and reach diverse audiences.

Monitor industry trends, media coverage and social conversations to inform strategy and advise key stakeholders.

Collaborate with internal teams and business partners to align PR efforts with larger company goals.

Identify and support executive visibility opportunities, including speaking engagements and awards.

Maintain detailed press lists, reports and recaps of publicity results.

Work evenings and weekends as required by live event and production schedules.

Travel regularly for College GameDay and other ESPN events.

This role participates in an on‑call rotation to support media inquiries, issues management, and operational communications outside of regular business hours.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in public relations, media relations, or communications – preferably within sports or television.

Proven track record of developing and executing successful PR strategies and media campaigns.

Exceptional writing, communication and storytelling skills.

Strong media contacts and experience pitching across a variety of platforms (TV, print, online, radio, trades).

Deep understanding of sports, media and news value.

Strategic and creative thinker with a proactive, solutions‑oriented approach.

Experience in public speaking and media training support.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Proficiency in social media platforms including X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Knowledge of television ratings and the sports media landscape preferred.

Team‑oriented, flexible and able to thrive in a constantly evolving environment.

About ESPN

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. Every day we’re doing things that no one has done, all in a dynamic culture where we defy odds and continuously outdo ourselves. When you have the latest technology, game‑changing ideas and world‑class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments : Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world‑class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with ESPN, Inc , which is part of a business we call ESPN.

ESPN, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

Disability Accommodation for Employment Applications

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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