The European Broadcasting Union EBU is looking for a Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) Director.

ABOUT THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST (ESC)

We work with Members to produce the hugely popular Eurovision Song Contest and Junior Eurovision Song Contest each year.

The Eurovision Song Contest is the world’s largest live music event, reaching around 160 million viewers across 40 markets and millions more via our thriving digital channels. It is particularly popular with hard-to-reach younger audiences, attracting four times the average youth audience to that time slot and with most followers on our digital platforms aged between 16 and 34.

The Eurovision Song Contest offers EBU Members over 9 hours of entertainment at the fraction of the cost of an average prime-time production with two Semi-Finals and a Saturday night Grand Final guaranteeing mass viewing.

The event continues to attract new audiences every year and is strongly embedded in Europe’s collective culture where its values of universality, inclusivity and celebrating diversity through music resonate with audiences in participating countries and across the globe.

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022 when it reached 33 million viewers. It showcases talented young artists between the ages of 9 and 14 years old.

Both these co-productions show the power of public service media working together to create cost-effective programming that helps enrich your cultural offering, promoting European unity and launching new musical stars.

Find the latest EBU news on the Eurovision Song Contest.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION

The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) Director is the person who on behalf of the EBU has the overall responsibility for the ESC (brand, event and commercial extensions).

As Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) Director you will :

• oversee the strategic direction of the ESC brand and defines both short-term and long-term operational goals.
• with the ESC Spokesperson, be the lead speaker for both the brand and the event, unless it escalates to the DDG Media Director/ DG.
• be responsible for bringing all relevant information related to the development and progress of each year's ESC to the EBU management, in addition to general related ESC matters that might be of importance or can cause reputational damage to the ESC brand and the EBU.
• maintain broad contact with all the Public Broadcasters and is available for advice, consultation and support throughout the year.
• develop networks of senior and recognised leaders in the industry, international organisations and Members.
• be responsible for driving innovation and identify opportunities for new studies, trends, development and new services related to ESC.
• be in charge of the long-term strategic development of the ESC, its brand and brand related initiatives.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• For this important role we require at least 15 years of experience in the broadcasting environment, with a broad knowledge of the role of PSM.
• Strong leadership with at least 15 years of proven experience in people management.
• Outstanding stakeholder management experience in complex and multicultural environments.
• Background as a high-level media professional.
• Comprehensive experience in complex entertainment TV productions, events, digital development and storytelling.
• Strong resilience and solid stress management skills.
• Sound judgement and political sensitivity are critical to take judicious decisions under high pressure.
• Strong diplomatic and communications skills; confident, articulate, and professional speaking abilities.
• Strong cultural and political understanding and mitigation is key.
• Must have senior management experience and able to lead others in high-demand situations.

LANGUAGE - Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and other languages an asset. 

EDUCATION - Master degree 

ONCE ON BOARD YOU WILL

Be part of an outstanding diverse and inclusive multicultural and international team.
Work with accomplished and engaging professionals coming from a wide variety of backgrounds and covering an impressive range of professions both in and outside of the broadcasting realm.

ABOUT THE EBU

Discover more about the EBU at www.ebu.ch. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

More info in the job description attached.
We will not accept any applications after the closing date and we will contact only the candidates who correspond to the requirements.

The EBU is an equal opportunities employer committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels heard, safe and valued through a culture free of discrimination, we welcome applications from all communities.

ONLY APPLICATIONS VIA OUR RECRUITMENT PORTAL WILL BE CONSIDERED.