Overview

The Senior Manager, Communications will lead and integrate both Business to Business (B2B) and External Communications functions for Disney Consumer Products (DCP), a division of Disney Experiences. This role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies that support business objectives, enhance brand reputation, and drive engagement across key audiences - including licensees and retailers, business and trade media, third party advocacy groups, consumers and internal stakeholders. The position reports to the Director, DCP Communications & Public Affairs.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and oversee internal and external communication strategies for both Business to Business and External Communications teams, ensuring alignment with company, segment and division objectives.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership, internal partners and licensees.
• Lead ideation, development, execution, and analysis of proactive and reactive campaigns, including issues management and reputation storytelling.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to uncover key stories and strategies tied to business priorities.
• Manage the communications budget, including forecasting and prioritization of funds.

Business to Business Communications

• Establish and drive overarching B2B communications strategy for Disney Consumer Products.
• Manage presence at industry events, including writing conference proposals, crafting executive presentations and scripting.
• Craft and pitch business and trade stories that span categories and franchises.
• Collaborate with licensees and retailers to review and approve messaging for investor events and presentations.
• Identify opportunities for industry awards and recognition.

External Communications

• Develop strategic plans to drive media coverage and social media buzz for priority programs and products.
• Serve as primary liaison for international leads for crisis communication, formalizing cross-collaboration processes to ensure consistency.
• Manage creation of issues briefs, industry news updates, risk analysis, and other communications materials for senior leadership.
• Oversee media relations and content creation for various platforms, ensuring effective storytelling for strategic audiences.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or equivalent work experience (preferably with an emphasis in public relations or corporate communications).
• 10+ years of communications or public relations experience, including leadership of teams and global campaign management.
• Demonstrated ability to create and lead comprehensive communication plans in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
• Skilled communicator and collaborator, adept at synthesizing complex information into actionable insights.
• Strategic thinker, creative problem solver, and experienced media relations practitioner.
• Excellent writing and storytelling, presentation, and research skills, with an understanding of how to effectively communicate to different audiences.
• Experience managing projects and campaign initiatives with an understanding of overarching goals, objectives, and relevant considerations.
• Understanding the media landscape and experience working with media.
• Proficiency with PC and Mac platforms, social media, media monitoring tools (e.g., Muckrack, Brandwatch and Quid) as well as content management systems (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Office, Keynote.
• Trusted to maintain confidential information and act as a Brand Ambassador, embodying Disney culture and values.

Desired Qualifications

• Disney operational knowledge or experience.
• Passion for the Disney brand.
• Experience with a Fortune 500 company, retail, or consumer products.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule as needed.