Director, Research & Analytics
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10138158 Location New York, New York, United States / Bristol, Connecticut, United States Business ESPN Date posted Dec. 23, 2025Job Summary:
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.
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 Disney Streaming Operations LLC, which is part of a business we call ESPN.
Disney Streaming Operations LLC 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.