Creative Innovator

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to serve sports fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.
We are seeking a driven and highly creative innovative talent full of curiosity and who enjoys thinking differently. The Creative Innovator will be focused on brainstorming and conceptualizing new ideas for possible products/experiences.
The position will be critical in initiating the creative ideation process and inspiring the team to create groundbreaking innovations. The Creative Innovator must have a complete understanding of consumer knowledge, the business impact that products can make, and experience managing a budget. ResponsibilitiesThe intersection of creative and technology results in innovative ideas and products. The Advanced Technology Group has formed a Creative Innovation team that will be focused on continuous brainstorming and prototyping of creative ideas that will push us forward with new solutions, approaches and platforms.
This team will be led by the Senior Director, Creative Innovation who reports to the Vice President of Advanced Technology Group. This position will report to the Manager, Creative Innovation. Located in Bristol, CT. The Creative Innovator will be responsible for:

• Creating disruptive and innovative fan-facing products
• Coaching Associate Creative Innovators from conceptualizing all way to delivering products through on-the-job training
• Supporting on creating product/experience development management
• Working closely with internal partners to apply concept to innovative uses of new and emerging technology in new products
• Working closely with Innovation Technology team to turn concept/ideas to new products
• Aiding Creative Innovation Manager on brainstorming and ideation sessions internally
• Assessing cost implication and savings
• Assessing risks of implementation
• Identifying areas in need of workflow improvements
• Providing timely communication with regards to requirements interpretation and feedback
• Working closely with Product team to satisfy fans’ needs and concerns
• Making suggestions to managers regarding product requirements and timelines, and how to communicate changes
• Providing suggestions on workflow enhancements and implications
• Providing suggestion on concept validity and value
• Effective communication and working with partners across Advanced Technology Group, to ensure that we are delivering experiences and products for sports fans
• Timeline communication with internal partners on conception, prototyping, and implementation schedules, project statues reporting and troubleshooting
• Relationship management internal partners

Basic Qualifications

• College degree or equivalent work experience required. Candidate must have a minimum of 2-4 years of experience in a creative-related environment, brand marketing, design/copywriting and/or a working knowledge of how to create ideas using technologies
• Understanding of processes that deliver the creative work
• Must have strong communication, problem-solving and analytical skills and understand platform/experience development process
• Strong interest in new technology, gadgets social platforms, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to comprehend development cycles; remains flexible and calm in the face of uncertainty
• Experience with building creative and consumer-facing experiences either digitally or physically.
• Broad background in creative direction and/or design
• Dynamic, learning agile and driven
• A positive force who leads with inspiration and passion
• The ability to excel at both a strategic and executional level
• A deep understanding of market-wide technology trends and themes
• Strong business acumen
• Outstanding communication, organizational and leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Strong presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of design/graphics software (i.e., Adobe CS)
• Understanding of technology development process (i.e., wireframe, POC, backend, QA)

Required Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience required

Company Overview At Disney, we‘re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world.
Additional InformationESPN is an equal opportunity employer - Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity. Our goal is to create an inclusive workplace for all.