Manager, Design & Graphics Operations, Yahoo Sports

Job description

Yahoo Sports is one of the internet’s leading destinations for comprehensive sports news and innovative fantasy games. We produce insightful content across multiple platforms and curate quality coverage from around the web to inform and entertain fans. We're an original fantasy sports pioneer, with a legacy of innovation that helps us continue to be a fantasy leader. And as one of the most-visited sports platforms on the internet, we're one of the best places for brands to reach fans. A Little About Us Yahoo Studios is the engine behind live digital programming, video production, and original content across the Yahoo ecosystem. Working where media, technology, and storytelling meet, our team delivers high-impact visual experiences and production support across all Yahoo properties including Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Finance, and Yahoo News and Entertainment. This role sits on the Yahoo Sports side of Studios, bringing live shows, original programming, and real-time fan experiences to millions of sports fans every day. Position Summary The Manager, Design and Graphic Operations leads the design, development, programming, and operational execution of live graphics across Yahoo Sports’ digital programming portfolio. This role combines creative design expertise with highly specialized technical knowledge of live graphics systems, data integration, programming, and production workflows. The Manager is responsible for elevating the visual presentation of Yahoo shows beyond traditional static graphics, creating dynamic, full-screen and video-driven experiences that enhance storytelling, audience engagement, and sponsorship integration across digital platforms. Working closely and collaboratively with producers, editors, talent, engineering, sales, and other creative partners, this role provides comprehensive graphics support across the full Yahoo Sports show portfolio and enables a level of creative execution and speed that significantly expands what the organization can produce. Key Responsibilities Live Show Graphics & Creative Direction Lead the design and evolution of Yahoo's live show graphics packages, including full graphics redesigns, visual refreshes, and ongoing creative development. Design and produce custom in-show graphics, segment animations, full-screen graphics, lower thirds, data visualizations, and other visual storytelling elements. Incorporate AI-powered design tools (e.g., generative visual tools, AI asset manipulation) to rapidly ideate creative concepts and scale graphics production. Develop dynamic graphics experiences that transform shows from primarily static presentations into sophisticated, video-driven digital productions. Establish and maintain visual consistency and creative standards across Yahoo Sports programming. Partner with producers and show teams to develop graphics solutions for both planned and emerging programming needs. Flowics Design, Programming & Operations Own the design, programming, implementation, maintenance, and day-to-day operational support of Flowics graphics across Yahoo programming. Lead complex graphics-system transitions and infrastructure initiatives. Develop graphics solutions that combine advanced design principles with coding, programming, data integration, and large-scale dataset management. Build and maintain dynamic graphics driven by live data, including box scores, fantasy scoring, standings, schedules, and other sports information. Identify and implement AI-driven efficiencies to automate repetitive graphics updating, data mapping, and live production workflows. Troubleshoot, update, and optimize graphics systems to ensure reliability and quality during live productions. Serve as a subject-matter expert on Flowics and its application within Yahoo Sports’ digital production environment. Sponsorship & Commercial Integrations Design and implement sponsorship graphics and branded integrations across Yahoo shows. Develop custom Flowics solutions that incorporate sponsorship elements into live programming while maintaining the creative integrity of each show. Collaborate with sales, production, and creative teams to execute sponsorship requirements efficiently and accurately. Support sponsorship integrations for both recurring programming and one-off live events. YouTube & Digital Creative Design YouTube thumbnails and supporting creative for Yahoo Sports and Yahoo Fantasy programming. Develop scalable thumbnail templates and visual systems that can be applied across the broader show portfolio. Create digital-first graphics optimized for YouTube and other audience-facing platforms. Tentpole & Special Event Production Lead graphics design, programming, and operational support for large-scale tentpole events (e.g.NFL/NBA Draft programming, live draft shows, major sports moments). Provide rapid-turnaround creative and technical support for unplanned or newly developed programming. Develop custom graphics packages and production solutions for emerging formats, including alternate broadcasts, livestreams, expert drafts, and other experimental digital programming. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with producers, directors, editors, talent, engineering, sales to translate creative concepts into technically viable live graphics solutions. Provide hands-on support throughout the full production lifecycle, from concept and design through programming, testing, live execution, and maintenance. Proactively identify opportunities to optimize graphics workflows, boost operational efficiency, and elevate visual quality across the sports portfolio. Serve as a key resource for teams seeking innovative solutions to complex live-production and graphics challenges. Required Qualifications Significant experience in graphic design and live or digital video production. Advanced knowledge of live graphics systems (Flowics, Tagboard, or comparable platform) and digital production workflows. Strong proficiency in graphic design principles, animation, motion graphics, and visual storytelling. Experience utilizing AI-assisted creative tools (e.g., generative image generation, prompt-driven asset tools) and AI coding helpers to accelerate production workflows. Demonstrated ability to evaluate, refine, and quality-check AI-generated outputs for technical accuracy and brand alignment.Experience working with live data, dynamic graphics, and data-driven visualizations. Working knowledge of coding, programming, data structures, and/or APIs as they relate to live graphics and digital production. Ability to manage large datasets and integrate data into live graphics environments. Experience supporting live broadcasts, livestreams, digital shows, or other real-time productions. Openness to continuous learning, experimentation with emerging digital tools, and comfort operating in an AI-augmented environment. Preferred Qualifications Background in sports media, sports broadcasting, or digital sports production. Experience designing graphics for YouTube and other digital video platforms. Experience executing branded content and commercial sponsorship integrations in live media. Experience designing for large-scale live events and tentpole programming. Experience creating motion graphics, animations, and full-screen video experiences. Familiarity with production technologies and workflows used in modern digital broadcasting. Core Competencies Creative Leadership: Elevates visual storytelling by embracing cutting edge design tools and generative workflows. Technical Expertise: Combines graphic design expertise with programming, data management, and live-production technology. Live Production Agility: Delivers reliable, high-quality dynamic graphics under fast-paced, real-time conditions while responding quickly to emerging programming opportunities and last-minute production needs. Problem Solving: Develops practical solutions to complex creative and technical challenges. Operational Excellence: Builds scalable systems and automated pr