Manager, Communications

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The Disney Platform Distribution (PD) Communications team is seeking a Manager, Communications to join the Disney Entertainment and ESPN Communications teams, serving as a key contributor to corporate communications, internal employee communications and external media relations for all the Company’s Platform Distribution efforts.

Platform Distribution is the global distribution organization within Disney Entertainment and ESPN that spans The Walt Disney Company’s entertainment and sports media businesses. It is responsible for the distribution and monetization of the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming services (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN), its full linear portfolio of channels including the eight ABC-owned television stations, ABC’s broadcast affiliations, and film and television programming across home entertainment and content licensing.

In this role you will be responsible for managing a broad range of activities across the distribution business, most notably the external communications efforts for the Company’s global channels, direct-to-consumer streaming apps, and third-party content sales efforts. Reporting to the VP, Platform Communications, this role works alongside and supports senior leadership to ensure brand messaging consistency and impact.

The ideal candidate is someone who can skillfully manage multiple projects at once including strategic planning, has advanced media relations skills, and can artfully drive narratives for the business, with or without an announcement to lean on. The role requires strategic thinking, outstanding organization and planning, and a strong ability to collaborate and communicate with multiple stakeholders and teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate closely with the PD, Disney Entertainment, ESPN and DTC organizations, internal communications, marketing, publicity, events and other stakeholder groups for broader storytelling about major tentpole campaigns and initiatives.
• Assist and advise on executive communication efforts including nominations for relevant panels, lists and roundup stories.
• Develop and maintain a deep network of press relationships across corporate, business, trade, consumer and entertainment press outlets.
• Manage platform distribution, content sales, and promotional wholesale partnerships announcements, collaborating with third-party partners and internal stakeholders including senior executives.
• Prepare key messaging and talking points, verify deal points/content availability dates, and contribute to crisis comms efforts as needed. 
• Collaborate and partner with distribution and affiliate marketing, regional sales and marketing teams, content management and sales, creative marketing, and digital/social teams in addition to station groups and individual broadcast stations.
• Support internal communications outreach and logistics, including employee messaging, forums, team meetings and key initiatives.
• Execute both domestic and international publicity requests for talent and producers on behalf of streaming and television programming licensed to various third-party platforms and channels, including interviews and set visits.
• Manage talent participation at festivals, client upfronts and in-person publicity tours.
• Oversee the department’s media monitoring efforts and clip reports.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in public relations, publicity, or external communications. 
• Experience creating PR campaigns, including corporative narratives and messaging.
• Deep knowledge of the earned media landscape, strong media/press relations experience and existing relationships, and high comfort level working with media. 
• Experience writing and editing press releases, fact sheets, biographies, executive talking points and more.
• Effectively present and communicate communications strategies in meetings.
• Ability to drive innovative approaches to deliver communications goals in more creative, efficient, and effective ways by challenging current processes and recommending new approaches.
• Combination of strategic and creative thinker and hands-on tactician.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity and knowledge of Disney’s linear channels, streaming brands and the Company’s third-party licensed content. An overall appreciation for the Disney brand a plus!
• Experience coordinating events and managing logistics.
• Entertainment industry experience preferred.

Required Education

• BA or BS required, preferably with a degree or emphasis in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism or related field.

Additional Information

• This is an onsite role based in Burbank, CA

#DisneyCommsCareers

The hiring range for this position in California is $115,500.00 to $154,800.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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