Homeoffice Director, Digital Sales & Distribution at VIZ Media

Job Summary

VIZ Media, the world leader in English-language versions of manga and anime (Japanese comics and animation), is looking for a Director of Digital Sales & Distribution to join our Animation Sales team. We are looking for a highly experienced and strategic leader who will drive the company’s digital strategy in collaboration with our General Manager. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in digital distribution, with a deep understanding of various digital platforms, emerging technologies, and data-driven decision-making. This role is pivotal in enhancing our digital footprint, optimizing distribution channels, and ensuring our content reaches the right audience effectively both domestically and globally.

What you’ll do:

1. Develop and execute distribution strategies for anime across AVOD, SVOD, FVOD, EST, TV, and new digital formats.
2. Oversee the management and optimization of digital distribution channels, including streaming services and e-commerce platforms.
3. Lead negotiations and manage relationships with major anime and general entertainment streaming platforms (e.g., Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, FAST/AVOD channels, digital storefronts, TV broadcasters) to maximize reach and revenue.
4. Lead, mentor, and manage a team of digital distribution professionals while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
5. Develop and manage the digital distribution budget working closely with FP&A along with senior leadership to achieve annual revenue targets.  
6. Align with internal teams including Content, Marketing, Creative, FP&A, Operations, and Sales to create a centralized release strategy, process and workflow.
7. Work with Production/Operations to develop and establish best practices related to process as well as partner and title onboarding.  
8. Collaborate with internal stakeholders (content, production, publishing, marketing, legal, finance) to ensure alignment with broader company initiatives. 
9. Conduct research on the market, trends, and competitors to identify growth opportunities.
10. Present results to cross departmental teams and senior management.
11. Represent VIZ at selected trade and industry shows throughout the year.

The ideal candidate has:

• 7-10+ years of digital media industry experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role managing SVOD, AVOD, and/or EST/TVOD business
• Prior partner management experience (with AVOD/SVOD platforms, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc.)
• Proven contacts in AVOD, SVOD, and/or EST/TVOD industry
• A thorough understanding of the global EST/TVOD landscape
• Deep understanding of the anime ecosystem, fan culture, and streaming/broadcast business models
• A highly developed sense of process and an entrepreneurial approach
• Passion and knowledge across anime, TV, and film
• Strong negotiation and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent experience, with a record that demonstrates suitable preparation for this position

Work Environment & Schedule

Location: The Director, Digital Sales & Distribution position is open to candidates local to the San Francisco Bay Area or remote candidates within California, Oregon, Texas, or New York. If local to the Bay Area, the Director, Digital Sales & Distribution will be expected to work onsite 2 days per week at our San Francisco office. If working remotely, the Director should expect to travel to the San Francisco Bay Area a few times a year. 

Schedule: This is a Regular Full-Time position with core hours of 10 am to 4 pm Pacific Time with some flexibility in scheduling outside core hours.

Compensation: $130,000 - $150,000 annually, depending on experience, with additional variable compensation