Communications Manager

Job Summary:

Communications Manager – Direct-to-Consumer

About the Team

This multifaceted Communications team supports multiple lines of business across The Walt Disney Company, including Direct-to-Consumer (DTC), Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product and Technology (DEEPT) and Games. The team is seeking a Communications Manager to help drive brand and corporate communications for Disney+, Hulu and the streaming bundle, with opportunities to support the other businesses.

About the Role

Reporting into the Sr Manager, DTC Communications, the Manager will be an integral member of the team working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment to help develop, manage and execute external communication strategies in support of the Disney+ and Hulu brands.

We are seeking someone who can thoughtfully balance multiple projects from strategic planning through tactical execution across businesses and teams, has strong media relations skills and can artfully drive strategic narratives for the business, with or without news to lean on. The role requires critical thinking, outstanding organization, and strong project management and relationship-building skills as we work closely with communications, marketing and publicity teams across Disney Entertainment Television and Studios. 

What You Will Do

You will be responsible for contributing to a broad range of activities and day-to-day operations across DTC, including external communications efforts for key projects, brand marketing, corporate initiatives and ongoing tentpole campaigns.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborate closely with stakeholders across DTC and DEEPT, internal communications, marketing, publicity and other groups for broader storytelling about brand campaigns, content and company efforts.

• Develop and maintain a deep network of press relationships across corporate, business, trade, consumer and entertainment press outlets.

• Drive a robust external communications strategy for the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming brands in partnership with publicity, marketing and digital/social teams.

• Contribute to key projects, including PR plans, messaging documents, and other written materials.

• Support ongoing implementation of executive communications efforts, including award submissions, speaking opportunities and speechwriting.

• Assist with brand reputation and crisis response efforts, including press monitoring and issue tracking during key moments, as well as identifying industry trends and analyses.

• Provide coordination and on-the-ground support for internal and industry events when necessary.

• Partner on tracking, analyzing, and synthesizing industry reports into clear and concise insights for key internal stakeholders, such as quarterly earnings recaps.

• Work with internal communications partners on outreach and logistics, including employee messaging, forums and team meetings.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in public relations, publicity, or external communications.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to manage deadline-driven writing and editing projects with minimal oversight.

• Extensive experience writing and editing press releases, fact sheets, biographies, executive talking points and more with a sharp attention to detail and AP style guidelines.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong time management and project prioritization abilities

• Experience crafting corporate narratives and messaging.

• Deep knowledge of the earned media landscape, strong media/press relations experience and existing relationships, and a high comfort level working with media.

• Present and communicate communication strategies optimally in meetings.

• Ability to drive innovative ways to deliver communications goals in more creative, efficient and effective ways by challenging current processes and recommending innovative approaches.

• A combination of strategic and creative problem solver.

• Discreet and professional when handling sensitive or confidential information, and naturally curious and eager to learn about all aspects of the business and industry landscape.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.

• Familiarity with Boolean search and media monitoring platforms, such as Muck Rack.

Preferred Qualifications

• An understanding that news never stops and a willingness to adjust as needed, maintaining adaptability and sound judgment when priorities shift unexpectedly.

• Experience in the entertainment industry is ideal but not required.

• Familiarity and knowledge of Disney’s streaming brands and the company’s streaming, television, theatrical and third-party licensed content. An overall appreciation for the Disney brand is a plus!

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent, preferably with a major in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism or related field.

Additional Information

• This role requires employees to be on-site four days a week in Burbank and may include working early mornings, nights and weekends as needed.

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $115,500 - $154,800 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.