Communications Manager - Direct-to-Consumer

About The Team

This diverse Communications team supports multiple business sectors at The Walt Disney Company, including Direct-to-Consumer (DTC), Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product and Technology (DEEPT), and the Games division. The team is recruiting a Communications Manager to lead brand and corporate messaging for Disney+, Hulu, and the streaming bundle, with potential to assist other business units.

About The Role

Under the supervision of the Senior Manager, DTC Communications, the Manager will play a key role within the team, collaborating across various stakeholders in a dynamic environment. The position involves creating, managing, and implementing external communication strategies that support the Disney+ and Hulu brands.

The ideal candidate is adept at handling multiple projects from strategic planning through tactical execution across different teams and businesses. They will possess strong media relations capabilities and can skillfully craft strategic narratives regardless of news availability. Essential qualities include critical thinking, exceptional organization, project management proficiency, and relationship-building skills, as the role interacts with communications, marketing, and publicity departments within Disney Entertainment Television and Studios.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with stakeholders within DTC, DEEPT, internal communications, marketing, publicity, and related groups to enhance storytelling around brand campaigns, content, and company activities.
• Build and sustain a vast network of media contacts spanning corporate, business, trade, consumer, and entertainment outlets.
• Lead a comprehensive external communications strategy for Disney’s direct-to-consumer streaming brands in collaboration with publicity, marketing, and digital/social teams.
• Contribute to major projects by preparing PR plans, messaging documents, and assorted written materials.
• Assist with executive communications activities such as award nominations, speaker engagements, and speechwriting.
• Support brand reputation management and crisis response through press monitoring, issue tracking during critical moments, and identification of industry trends and analysis.
• Provide coordination and onsite support for internal and industry events when required.
• Collaborate on analyzing and summarizing industry reports into clear insights for stakeholders, including quarterly earnings reviews.
• Coordinate with internal communications teams on messaging, forums, and team meeting logistics.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ professional experience in public relations, publicity, or external communications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to manage deadline-driven writing and editing tasks independently.
• Proven experience producing press releases, fact sheets, biographies, executive talking points, with attention to detail and adherence to AP style.
• Highly organized with strong prioritization and time management abilities.
• Skilled in developing corporate narratives and key messaging.
• Comprehensive understanding of earned media, established media relations, and comfort engaging with press representatives.
• Effective communicator capable of presenting communications strategies clearly in meetings.
• Innovative mindset to improve communication processes and deliver results creatively and efficiently.
• Combines strategic thought with creative problem-solving.
• Maintains discretion and professionalism when handling confidential information; shows curiosity and eagerness to learn about industry and business dynamics.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools.
• Knowledge of Boolean search techniques and media monitoring platforms such as Muck Rack.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a 24/7 news environment using sound judgment.
• Experience in the entertainment sector is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Familiarity with Disney streaming brands and knowledge of the company’s streaming, TV, theatrical, and licensed content portfolios; an appreciation for the Disney brand is a bonus.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, ideally in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related discipline.

Additional Information

• This position requires working onsite in Burbank, CA four days per week and may involve working early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.
• The salary range for this role in Burbank, CA is $115,500 to $154,800 annually. Actual compensation will consider internal equity, geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other factors. Bonuses and long-term incentive units may also be part of the compensation alongside comprehensive benefits.