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Programming Strategist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

In this role you will work closely with the Director of Programming Strategy to synthesize the priorities of various cross-functional stakeholders with both internal and external trends to build the ...

In this role you will work closely with the Director of Programming Strategy to synthesize the priorities of various cross-functional stakeholders with both internal and external trends to build the ...

In this role you will work closely with the Director of Programming Strategy to synthesize the priorities of various cross-functional stakeholders with both internal and external trends to build the ...

In this role you will work closely with the Director of Programming Strategy to synthesize the priorities of various cross-functional stakeholders with both internal and external trends to build the ...

You will support content strategy and scheduling, collaborate across departments, and help ensure that ESPN delivers extraordinary, fan-focused programming experiences every day. Responsibilities: In ...

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Programming Strategist information

See salary details

$45K

$139.9K

$177.5K

How much do programming strategist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for programming strategist in the United States is $139,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,500.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a programming strategist typically collaborate with content creators and marketing teams to optimize scheduling and audience engagement?

Programming Strategists work closely with content creators to understand the strengths and target audiences of various programs, ensuring that scheduling decisions maximize viewership and retention. They also collaborate with marketing teams to coordinate promotional campaigns, align content launches with audience trends, and analyze performance data to make informed adjustments. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for crafting a programming lineup that not only attracts but also sustains audience interest in a competitive media landscape.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a programming strategist?

To thrive as a Programming Strategist, you need strong analytical skills, a solid background in media or content planning, and typically a degree in communications, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with audience analytics tools, scheduling software, and data visualization platforms is important for making informed programming decisions. Creative thinking, collaboration, and clear communication are essential soft skills for developing engaging content strategies and working across teams. These skills ensure the creation and delivery of compelling, audience-driven programming that meets organizational objectives.

What is a programming strategist?

A Programming Strategist is a professional who develops and manages content schedules and strategies for television, radio, streaming platforms, or digital media. They analyze audience data, market trends, and competitive programming to maximize viewership and engagement. Their responsibilities often include coordinating with marketing, production, and sales teams to ensure the content lineup aligns with business goals. Programming Strategists play a key role in optimizing the timing and selection of shows or content to attract and retain target audiences.

What is the difference between Programming Strategist vs Software Developer?

AspectProgramming StrategistSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; certifications like PMP or Agile certificationsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; coding certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, project management, cross-team collaborationWriting, testing, and deploying code in development teams
Industry UsageTech companies, consulting firms, product teamsSoftware companies, startups, tech departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding strategic roles in tech projectsTechnical coding and development tasks

The Programming Strategist focuses on planning, aligning technical projects with business goals, and managing cross-functional teams. In contrast, a Software Developer primarily writes and tests code to build software products. While both roles require technical knowledge, the strategist emphasizes planning and coordination, whereas the developer concentrates on coding and implementation.

More about Programming Strategist jobs
What cities are hiring for Programming Strategist jobs? Cities with the most Programming Strategist job openings:
What states have the most Programming Strategist jobs? States with the most job openings for Programming Strategist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Programming Strategist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Programming Strategist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Programming Strategist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,867 per year, or $67.2 per hour.

Programming Strategist Planner (National Geographic NYC)

The Walt Disney Company

New York, NY • On-site

$83K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 51 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Programming Strategist Planner (National Geographic NYC)

Req ID:

10156831

Job Description:

The National Geographic Programming Strategy team owns the planning and scheduling of our National Geographic content across platforms, including linear, nonlinear, DTC and YouTube platforms, and sits within the Disney Entertainment Television group. The team programs hundreds of hours of premiere content per year, as well as library content in both long and short form formats. From linear and nonlinear television to Disney+, YouTube and beyond, our team crafts the release strategies that connect our content with the largest possible audience across all platforms. The team is the ultimate curators, platform strategists and slate planners for National Geographic content from the Walt Disney Company.

Job Summary

The Programming Strategist supports day-to-day YouTube operations across National Geographic's portfolio (NG Brand, NG Animals, NG en Espanol, NG Kids), translating platform strategy into organized content plans and calendars. This role partners cross-functionally to optimize content for performance, search, and discovery, leveraging YouTube analytics, scheduling tools, and workflow systems (e.g., Airtable) to drive growth and execution.

Responsibilities and Duties of the Role
  • Operational Execution

    • Act as a central hub for asset deployment, managing the end-to-end flow of content across all four YouTube channels to ensure strategic alignment.

    • Supply Operations with all information required for metadata flow required for upload: titles, descriptions, metadata, tags, chapters, thumbnails, and end screens.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration

    • Partner closely with internal stakeholders to align content release schedules with broader company initiatives, serving as the point of contact for compiling all Social, Title Marketing, and Synergy content going to YouTube from our channels, including shortform, vertical shorts, and trailers.

  • Strategic Growth

    • Monitor channel and content performance in partnership with Programming and Research teams through internal analytics and the YouTube Studio Dashboard.

  • Platform Management

    • Oversee channel homepages, playlists, and SEO metadata to ensure a cohesive and high-performing visual identity.

  • Channel Maintenance

    • Daily maintenance and operations of YouTube channels, including updating links and inputting related meta-tags into the database.

  • Programming Strategy

    • Execute content plans in a variety of functions to support the Networks and larger Programming Strategy team.

Basic Qualifications
  • Experience: 3+ years in Programming Strategy/Scheduling; experience managing a major legacy brand's YouTube channel (certification a plus). Experience working across a multi-platform brand ecosystem (YouTube alongside streaming, social, print, or linear TV) and maintaining consistent strategy across them.

  • Platform Expertise: Expert in digital content optimization, YouTube Studio/Analytics, and file specifications.

  • Strategic & Creative: Ability to translate complex trends into actionable content strategies; skilled at collaborating with creative teams. Experience working with or within established brand guidelines for a globally recognized media company, including maintaining tone, visual style, and messaging consistency across content.

  • Operational Excellence: Highly organized, meticulous attention to detail, and proficient in Airtable, MS Office, Teams, and Google Workspace.

  • Soft Skills: Self-starter capable of prioritizing workflows in a fast-paced environment with excellent written and verbal communication.

  • Brand Affinity: Strong interest in online trends and National Geographic's programming.

  • Technical Agility: Fast learner with the ability to master new systems independently; proficient in both Mac and PC environments.

  • Candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of the 7 Hudson Square office in NYC. This role requires someone onsite 4 days a week.

Required Education
  • Bachelor's degree in media-related field or equivalent work experience.

The hiring range for this position in 7 Hudson NYC is $83,200 to $111,500 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.

Job Posting Segment:

Networks and News Groups

Job Posting Primary Business:

Business Ops & Program Strategy

Primary Job Posting Category:

Content Digital Strategy

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

New York, NY, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-08-04

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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