Director, Fantasy and Daily Games Operations at Yahoo Holdings Inc. in Champaign, Illinois

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.

This role will be responsible for managing and overseeing the daily operations of a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) product across the four major American sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), as well as global football, tennis, and PGA events. This role involves programming and managing all aspects of the DFS product, including but not limited to the creation of contests, prize pool structures, player salary budgets, and other key game elements. The Director, Fantasy and Daily Games Operations will also lead the development and management of non-money, casual sports-related games to engage a broad audience. This position requires an individual who is passionate about sports and has a deep understanding of fantasy sports, sports analytics, and user engagement. Strong programming, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this role.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced sports environment, and has a passion for both sports analytics and interactive online games. The ideal candidate will have a key role in shaping the experience for both fantasy sports players and casual fans.

Job Responsibilities

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Management:

• Program, schedule, and monitor daily and weekly DFS contests across major American sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), global football, tennis, and PGA events.


• Set up game parameters including prize pools, contest sizes, salary budgets, and other in-game mechanics.


• Collaborate with the analytics and development teams to adjust player pricing, contest rules, and scoring systems to ensure fair play and a dynamic user experience.


• Monitor user activity and game performance, adjusting contest offerings in real-time based on demand, player performance, and feedback.


• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in all markets where DFS is offered.

Casual and Non-Money Sports Games Management:

• Design and manage casual sports-related games for users who enjoy sports without the monetary component, enhancing overall user engagement.


• Create and update sports-themed quizzes, pick'em challenges, prediction-based games, and other fan engagement tools that are connected to live sports events.


• Monitor game performance, user engagement, and feedback, iterating game designs to improve user experience.

Cross-Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with product, marketing, and customer support teams to ensure smooth execution of DFS and casual games.


• Coordinate with the technology team to address any game issues, technical problems, or game feature enhancements.


• Collaborate with content and marketing teams to plan promotions, campaigns, and user engagement initiatives around key sports events.

Data Analysis and Optimization:

• Analyze game data and user behavior to identify trends, make data-driven decisions, and optimize the performance of DFS contests and casual games.


• Provide feedback and reports to the product development team on game performance and areas for improvement.

User Engagement and Feedback:

• Actively engage with the DFS community, gathering feedback and suggestions for future updates.


• Monitor customer support queries and assist with resolving player disputes regarding scoring, payouts, or rule interpretations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Computer Science, Data Analytics, or a related field.


• 6+ years of experience managing or programming games, preferably in a fantasy sports or online gaming environment.


• Strong understanding of fantasy sports, particularly the rules, player performance metrics, and scoring systems for major American sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), global football, tennis, and PGA events.


• Proficiency in game programming or content management platforms related to online games.


• Strong data analysis skills with experience interpreting sports statistics and player data to ensure balanced game mechanics.


• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple games and tasks simultaneously.


• Understanding of relevant laws and regulations related to daily fantasy sports, particularly in the US market.


• Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with various departments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Sports Management, Computer Science, or a related field. - Prior experience working in a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) or related gaming environment.


• Familiarity with player performance models, algorithms, or machine learning tools used in sports analytics.


• Knowledge of international sports leagues and events, beyond the core American sports, particularly global football and tennis.


• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) tools and user feedback systems.


• Understanding of casual gaming trends and user engagement strategies.

The material job duties and responsibilities of this role include those listed above as well as adhering to Yahoo policies ; exercising sound judgment ; working effectively, safely and inclusively with others ; exhibiting trustworthiness and meeting expectations ; and safeguarding business operations and brand integrity.

Yahoo is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, gender, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other protected category. Yahoo will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. Yahoo is dedicated to providing an accessible environment for all candidates during the application process and for employees during their employment. If you need accessibility assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please submit a request via the Accommodation Request Form ( www.yahooinc.com/careers/contact-us.html ) or call +1.866.772.3182 . Requests and calls received for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

At Yahoo, we know that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages authenticity and fosters a sense of belonging. We strive for everyone to feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their potential and contribute their best. Check out our diversity and inclusion ( www.yahooinc.com/diversity/ ) page to learn more.

The compensation for this position ranges from $150,380.00 - $327,025.00/yr and will vary depending on factors such as your location, skills and experience. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary annual bonus or commissions, in addition to equity incentives. Yahoo provides industry-leading benefits including healthcare, 401K savings plan, company holidays, vacation, sick time, parental leave and an employee assistance program. Eligibility requirements apply.

Yahoo has a high degree of flexibility around employee location and hybrid working. In fact, our flexible-hybrid approach to work is one of the things our employees rave about. Most roles don't require specific regular patterns of in-person office attendance. If you join Yahoo, you may be asked to attend (or travel to attend) on-site work sessions, team-building, or other in-person events. When these occur, you'll be given notice to make arrangements.

If you're curious about how this factors into this role, please discuss with the recruiter.

Currently work for Yahoo? Please apply on our internal career site.