Talent Booking Lead

Title: Talent Booking Lead

Reporting to: EVP, Original Content

Supervisory role: Yes

Classification: Full-time employee

Location: Hybrid in Santa Monica, CA

Compensation: $140,000 to $170,000 

Company Summary:

Wave Sports + Entertainment (Wave)  is the leader in sports storytelling for the next generation reaching more than 130 million highly engaged followers globally. Wave’s award-winning, original programming is led by some of the most popular athletes and personalities in sports media -- including the hit digital series’ “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce,” “Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce,”  “Podcast P with Paul George,” “7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony,” “Straight to Cam with Cameron Brink and Sydel Curry-Lee,” and “House of Maher with Ilona Maher” -- dishing out entertaining commentary, unique perspectives, and behind-the-scenes stories about the personalities and events that are shaping the world of sports and culture. Wave also holds partnerships with 100+ rights holders and sports properties, providing always-on programming to followers of the internet's largest and most engaged social communities. 

Role Summary:

We are seeking a Talent Booking Lead to spearhead the guest booking strategy and execution across the Wave Originals slate. The ideal candidate will have a track record of booking high-profile guests (athletes, celebrities and influencers) for weekly podcasts, experience building a forward-looking guest tracker workflow with highly-reactive contingencies, and an extensive network in sports and entertainment. They’ll also be experienced in securing talent for branded content projects, negotiating and securing talent rates, working collaboratively with creative and sales teams, and possess great on-set decorum and talent management skills. 

Responsibilities

• Lead booking efforts including outreach, confirmations, and delivery for multiple weekly shows
• Develop guest strategy and targets based on show’s creative goals alongside producers
• Build network and show specific materials to include in guest pitches 
• Manage communication between guest and production teams leading up to and day-of taping
• Lead guest logistics including release forms, travel arrangements and rider needs
• Lead talent booking for branded content shoots and manage talent budgets as needed 
• Build and maintain relationships with talent agents, managers and representatives

Qualifications

• 5+ years booking guests for podcasts, talk shows or weekly digital content 
• Previous experience as a senior member of a guest booking team 
• Extensive contact list of high-profile talent with a focus on athletes, celebrities and influencers
• Demonstrated willingness to work in fast-paced environment and be highly-reactive as needed 
• Deep knowledge of podcast industry and trends 
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to liaise with artists, agents, and stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail

Wave’s 5 Core Company Values

1. Simplify and Get It Done 

2. Master Your Craft 

3. Practice Hospitality 

4. Be Direct 

5. Fearlessly Pursue New Ideas 

We strive to hire individuals who embody these principles, as they are key to our success. This role plays a vital part in nurturing a culture that supports our fast-growing, adaptive, and industry-leading team. If you're someone who thrives on freedom and responsibility and is excited by a dynamic and fast-paced environment, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. However, it’s important to note that this role may not be the best fit for those who prefer a slower-paced or lower-pressure setting.

Pay Transparency + Benefits

At Wave, we’re transparent from the get-go—we want our candidates to know as much about us as possible, even before applying. We’re excited about our candidates and want them to feel the same about us!

This role is a full-time position with a base salary range of $140,000 to $170,000/year, and may be eligible for an annual bonus and equity. Actual salary at the time of offer may vary based on multiple factors, including an individual's experience level and qualifications. We believe in investing the very best in our employees, so in addition to the base salary for this role, all eligible full-time employees at Wave receive:

• Unlimited paid time off and 11 paid holidays
• 100% company-paid premiums for Employee medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
• Flex-benefit options (FSA, HSA)
• Company sponsored 401(k) plan
• Stock options
• Paid Parental Leave
• Monthly Phone/Internet Reimbursement

Physical Requirements + Work Environment

• Capacity to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery and hardware.
• The ability to communicate and exchange information clearly and accurately. 
• Work is sedentary and involves sitting for the majority of work hours.
• Able to work full-time M-F and nights and weekends as needed.
• The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions and work is performed in a business office environment.
• The worker may be exposed to variable lighting conditions (brightness or darkness) and noise during production when in the office.

At Wave Sports + Entertainment, we are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, victims of any “qualifying act of violence”, or other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace.

We are a Bullpen Sports Network, Inc. affiliate company

Direct Applicants Only