Manager of Program Planning and Strategy

Our customer is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes a large portfolio of content and brands across television, film, and streaming and is available in over 200 countries and territories and over 45 languages. Headquartered in New York, NY with more than 30 office locations in the United States.

We are seeking a Manager of Program Planning and Strategy on a contract basis to support their business needs. This role is hybrid with flexible on-site days in Burbank, CA, NYC, or Atlanta, GA.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to annual, monthly, and daily programming strategies to maximize content library utilization
• Manage timelines and assignments for programming schedules, ensuring deadlines are met
• Maintain and update acquisition contract data, including terms, financials, and availability windows
• Apply programming strategies, creative direction, and film knowledge to optimize scheduling decisions
• Solve complex scheduling challenges and adapt workflows to meet creative and operational needs
• Collaborate with on-air talent to support programming for select franchises
• Maintain linear program schedules for multiple regions, ensuring accuracy across systems
• Manage inventory creation and updates, including metadata, versions, and timing adjustments
• Coordinate with scheduling teams to resolve conflicts and ensure seamless programming execution
• Update ratings, descriptions, and metadata to maintain accurate and compliant records
• Communicate regularly with internal teams on programming strategy, schedules, and deal status
• Provide accurate public-facing content information to partners and distributors
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, marketing, finance, and rights management
• Oversee and improve inventory management, scheduling, and metadata systems
• Evaluate workflows and implement process improvements for efficiency and consistency
• Partner with technology teams to align systems with business needs and strategic priorities
• Manage and resolve system support tickets related to scheduling and inventory

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Television, Film, or a related field
• 8-10 years of experience in programming, scheduling, operations, or media asset management
• Strong data management and analytical skills with the ability to leverage insights for decision-making
• Deep understanding of programming strategies, scheduling tactics, and the television/media landscape
• Strong knowledge of film history and content programming
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience engaging senior stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with TV scheduling, planning, and inventory management systems
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work under tight deadlines
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional and matrixed teams
• Strategic thinking with the ability to manage long-term planning and multi-platform considerations
• Proactive, adaptable, and solution-oriented mindset

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with systems such as Smartsheet, Broadview, Deal, or similar platforms
• Understanding of both traditional and emerging content distribution platforms
• Strong decision-making and critical thinking skills
• Ability to build and maintain relationships across all levels of the organization
• Passion for media, film, and content programming
• Experience driving process improvements and operational efficiencies

We offer a competitive salary range for this position. Most candidates who join our team are hired at the median of this range, ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Contractor benefits are available through our 3rd Party Employer of Record (Available upon completion of waiting period for eligible engagements) Benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.