Media Rights Manager

About the FEI

Formed in 1921, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) is the governing body for all international events in Jumping, Dressage and Para Dressage, Eventing, Driving and Para Driving, Endurance and Vaulting. It establishes the regulations and approves equestrian programmes for Championships, Continental and Regional Games as well as the Olympic & Paralympic Games.

The FEI promotes equestrianism in all its forms, and encourages the development of the FEI equestrian disciplines throughout the world, keeping the welfare of the horse at the heart of all activities. Today, the FEI has more than 130 members of National Federations and there are over 4,300 international events annually, including a number of FEI Championships and global FEI series. Over 120,000 athletes and horses are registered, and women and men compete as equals.

Over 100 FEI staff are working in FEI’s Headquarters in Lausanne, ensuring the sport continues to grow and flourish, the rules are enforced, the results are processed, the international calendar is managed, and that the very values that are at the core of equestrian sport are safeguarded and promoted.

The FEI is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce. We encourage candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religious and ethnic backgrounds and/or persons living with disabilities, who meet the position requirements, to apply to become a part of the organisation.

Purpose of the Role

The key purpose of the FEI Commercial Division is to grow the exposure and engagement for equestrian sports governed by the FEI and increase the revenue, within the framework of its social license to operate. Reporting to Head of Marketing and Media Management, the ideal candidate will ensure the continued growth of the sales and distribution of the FEI media rights on a global basis with the aim to generate revenue and increase reach for the equestrian sport.

Key Responsibilities

1. Media rights strategy

• Develop FEI’s media rights distribution strategy and constantly benchmark against industry developments, with a focus on revenue and media exposure.
• Enhance the strategy for the FEI media rights based on the production portfolio, with a clear approach for the key and secondary markets in relation to rights fee, placement deals and time buys.
• For the FEI sponsors, coordinate with the partner manager to develop and agree a plan for the time-buy, oversee its implementation and ensure adequate reporting.
• Oversee the further development and constant optimisation of the FEI broadcast product portfolio, evaluate and implement new content formats and assess new distribution channels, including digital, in coordination with Manager Broadcast Production.
• Build relationships with key broadcasters and provide relevant inputs on the content product strategy, to ensure the content production is demand driven, including new formats, news based content and other productions.
• Manage the media rights catalogue and ensure this is up to date in accordance with industry benchmarks.

2. Media rights distribution

• Develop a technology driven up-to-date media rights definition for FEI properties and adapt existing Media Rights Holder Agreements.
• Grow global distribution of FEI media rights by extending existing deals and the acquisition of new clients through direct sales and the management of any FEI appointed sales and distribution agency.
• Ensure coordination with the production team for the delivery of the rights, mainly through the International Broadcast Signal (IBS).
• Support the MRH (Media Rights Holder) in case of issues. Consult with the Manager Broadcast Production and the onsite FEI Media House Broadcast Manager if needed.
• Provide adequate client servicing in coordination the Manager Broadcast Production and the respective Host Broadcaster of FEI event for onsite Host Broadcast Services.
• Ensure the fulfilment of minimum broadcast guarantees by FEI MRH.
• Pro-active contact MRLs directly or through an FEI appointed sales and distribution agency to alert on upcoming events, interesting production and other opportunities to generate exposure.
• Maintain a detailed overview of the media rights agreements including territories, formats, duration, etc. Ensure adequate invoicing and financial reporting.
• Provide input to the research manager to ensure adequate monitoring of FEI related coverage.
• Oversee the reporting to relevant internal and external stakeholders, including FEI sponsors and organizing committees.

3. Marketing

• Keep an overview of the advertisement inventory available to the FEI as part of the MRH agreements.
• Provide the relevant information to the marketing manager and coordinate the delivery of the advertisement materials between the MRH and the FEI, based on the production requirements from the MRH.

4. Administration

• Support in the bidding processes for FEI Events to ensure broadcast rights are included in the bid manuals and host agreements.
• Management of invitation to tenders and agencies providing services in accordance with the FEI Governance principles.
• Ensure administrative and team communications tools are up to date.

5. Position Requirements

• Bachelor and/or Master degree in business and/or marketing
• Perfect fluency in English required, additional language an asset
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Pack Office
• 5 years of relevant experience in the media rights industry
• Network with media companies in various parts of the world
• Understanding of the sports media rights landscape, experience with equestrian events is a plus
• Excellent communication skills, team player with the ability to build good relationships with external parties and internal teams
• Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to handle high pressure situations
• Strong negotiation skills, close attention to detail and accuracy
• 20%-30% travel required, including weekends

You will be working in first-class facilities, downtown Lausanne, accessible from public transportation, and minutes from Lac Leman. We will be happy to present to you the other benefits we offer.

For this particular role, the FEI will only accept candidates with a valid right to work in Switzerland. Candidates who would be required to apply for a work permit will not be accepted.

If you meet the position requirements, we want you! We are a dynamic Sports Federation and we would gladly receive your application.