Director, Creator Content and Partnerships

Overview

The Walt Disney Studios is looking to hire a visionary and entrepreneurial Director for its Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Creator Partnerships. This role is responsible for launching and expanding Disney's global Creator Studio — a strategic initiative to boost audience development, fan engagement, and DTC value through creator-driven content.

Reporting to the Vice President of Creator Partnerships, the Director will define the Creator Studio’s strategic direction, operating framework, and global creator network. This includes collaborating closely with teams across Marketing, Product, Programming, Analytics, Legal, and International to develop scalable creator programs, content franchises, and audience engagement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and grow Disney’s global Creator Studio by setting its strategy, operational model, and long-term plans.
• Lead and nurture a high-caliber team encompassing creator partnerships, content production, creative strategy, and operations.
• Create efficient workflows, governance structures, resource allocation, and performance benchmarks to support global expansion.
• Craft and implement Disney’s creator partnership approach, managing relationships with creators, talent agencies, and key partners.
• Identify and develop creator-driven franchises, partnerships, and avenues for audience growth.
• Lead negotiations for complex partnerships, licensing contracts, and commercial arrangements.
• Design creator-led programming to drive acquisition, engagement, retention, and fandom on Disney’s streaming platforms.
• Leverage audience insights, cultural trends, and platform data to build scalable content strategies that maintain creator authenticity and uphold Disney's brand values.
• Develop and refine creator incentive programs to sustain long-term engagement and expand the creator ecosystem.
• Own key performance indicators including audience growth, engagement metrics, watch time, creator success, and business outcomes.
• Collaborate with Analytics to uncover opportunities, optimize content investments, and guide strategic direction.
• Create forecasting models that align creator content supply with Disney’s business priorities and growth goals.
• Work cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, Programming, Legal, Finance, Technology, and International teams to ensure smooth execution and alignment.
• Provide executive stakeholders with strategic advice, performance updates, and compelling business cases.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Over 10 years of leadership experience in creator partnerships, digital media, social content, streaming, entertainment, or consumer technology sectors.
• At least 5 years managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Proven track record building and scaling creator, content, or digital media operations and programs.
• Extensive understanding of the creator economy, social media platforms, audience behaviors, and digital media trends.
• Experience negotiating creator partnerships and commercial agreements as well as managing talent relationships.
• Strong background in audience growth strategies driven by performance data, consumer insights, and experimentation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead intricate cross-functional initiatives involving multiple departments including Product, Marketing, and Legal.
• High business acumen with skill in converting data and market trends into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and executive stakeholder management skills.
• A successful history of influencing and aligning teams across matrixed organizations without direct authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within streaming, media, entertainment, gaming, or creator-centric industries.
• History of launching creator-led franchises, original intellectual property, or creator ecosystems at scale.
• Expertise in designing creator incentives, monetization methods, or partnership models.
• Experience leading global creator programs across diverse regions.
• A passion for digital culture, emerging platforms, and the evolution of creator-driven entertainment.

Compensation and Benefits

This position in Burbank, CA offers a salary ranging from $153,200 to $205,400 annually. Actual salary offered will consider internal equity, candidate location, expertise, and experience. Additional compensation may include bonuses or long-term incentives. Comprehensive benefits covering medical, financial, and other areas are available based on position level.