Director, Social Media

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

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Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('Versant') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.

Role Summary:

Versant Sports is hiring a Director of Social who will lead a core group within our growing team of digital content experts on the Sports digital team. This role will be responsible for building and leading the social media strategy and execution across Versant Sports, which includes topline strategy and KPIs, day to day content creation and planning, social media creative and distribution cross-platform. The ideal candidate has a deep knowledge of social media and user behavior and a strong track record in content strategy, social content creation (including video, statics etc), social platform expertise, creativity and attention to detail. This role will focus on Versant’s sports portfolio, including but not limited to golf and Golf Channel, NASCAR, Premier League, basketball and volleyball. Experience in branded content creation and distribution for social platforms is also required.

This leader should also have experience leading a team of social media editors and video  content creators, preferably in a sports-focused setting.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the multi-platform social media strategy of the Versant sports portfolio, including but not limited to Golf Channel, NASCAR, Premier League, WNBA basketball and LOVB volleyball.
• Manage a team of social media editors, producers to optimize and distribute Sports editorial content across all channels, with focus on strategic decisions about how content is programmed ie: referral links vs. native video vs. engagement posts.
• Analyze metrics across channels in order to build growth-oriented KPIs for each platform while identifying and executing strategies to fuel audience growth and engagement
• Maintain a deep understanding of the larger sports calendar and oversee real-time coverage of tentpole events across brands.
• Work hand-in-hand with our leaders of Content, Editorial and Video Production to build a social video program for Sports that meets KPIs across platforms. The ability to identify what is performing and pivot teams creatively and on programming to reach goals is a must.
• Work directly with legal teams, visual clearances teams to ensure all social content is cleared for use and meets legal standards and guidelines
• Lead creative vision for social media graphics, video templates across all platforms that feels cohesive and representative of the respective Sports brands.
• Strategize and execute community management across all platforms
• Operate as the key liaison between the Sports brands and partners at social networks – stay informed on algorithm changes, address product changes or concerns, and relay information into actionable strategies for Sports
• Develop and mentor junior talent, fostering a creative and collaborative team culture.
• Maintain voice and content standards across multiple platforms and brands.
• Manage branded content efforts in concert with Sales, leading the ideation and execution of social sales campaigns
• Partner with internal teams such as marketing, sales, production and digital teams for cross-functional planning and event management, delivering a cohesive brand message and expanded reach  
• First line of communication with talent and production teams for support of in-studio and on-site content creation
• Juggle multiple projects with parallel timelines
• Comfort working on fast timelines in live sports and ability to quickly spot top performing moments. Weekends, odd hours etc. may be required per sports programming

Basic Qualifications:

• BA or BS from a four-year accredited college or university or equivalent experience in Marketing, Communications, Business, Digital Media, or a related field
• Minimum of (5) years of experience in social media content or strategy at a professional, collegiate or agency / brand sports property, with 1-2 years managerial experience preferred.  
• Demonstrable experience creating social media strategies and executing them
• Proven ability to grow audiences and drive revenue through social content.
• Experience and proficiency in all social platforms (Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook, Threads and BlueSky)
• Experience with a variety of social and project management tools (Sprout Social, Airtable, Monday.com, etc.)
• Extensive knowledge of sports and internet culture
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines
• Demonstrable experience identifying shareable/viral content: sports culture expert fluent in what's trending and always plugged in to latest conversations with the ability to find innovative ways to tell a story in a piece of content
• Excellent writing and copywriting skills and the ability to provide feedback to editors and content leaders that collaboratively positions our Sports content as an industry standard.
• Ability to abide by and enforce Sport’s social media brand guidelines 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Interested candidates must submit a resume for this job online to be considered
• Must be willing to work in Stamford CT
• Must have work authorization to work in the United States
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have ability to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings due to news cycles and breaking news.

This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days a week.

Desired Characteristics:

• Demonstrated knowledge of sports, ideally including any / all of the following: Golf, NASCAR, Premier League, WNBA, Volleyball.
• Leader who prioritizes team mentorship and growth of junior talent
• A blend of collaborative skills as well as being an independent self-starter
• Flexible and has ability to shift gears quickly between multiple campaigns and projects managed
• Strong understanding of digital trends
• Effective communication and experience working across multiple departments
• Excellent organization and time management skills with initiative and attention to detail.

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].

Although you'll be hired as an NBCU employee, your employment and the responsibilities associated with this job likely will transition to Versant in the future. By joining at this pivotal time, you'll be a part of this exciting company as it takes shape.