Communications Manager - Direct-to-Consumer

About the Team

The multifaceted Communications team supports various business sectors within The Walt Disney Company, including Direct-to-Consumer (DTC), Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product and Technology (DEEPT), and Games. This team is looking for a Communications Manager to enhance brand and corporate messaging for Disney+, Hulu, and the streaming bundle, with opportunities to support other divisions as well.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Senior Manager of DTC Communications, the Communications Manager will actively collaborate with diverse stakeholders in a dynamic setting to develop, manage, and implement external communication strategies that advocate for the Disney+ and Hulu brands.

The ideal candidate will skillfully manage multiple projects—from strategic development to tactical execution—across different teams and businesses. Strong media relations aptitude and the ability to craft strategic narratives with or without news events are essential. This role demands critical thinking, exceptional organization, stellar project management, and relationship-building capabilities, working closely with communications, marketing, and publicity teams across Disney Entertainment Television and Studios.

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate extensively with teams from DTC, DEEPT, internal communications, marketing, publicity, and others to generate comprehensive storytelling regarding brand campaigns, content, and corporate initiatives.
• Build and sustain a broad network of media contacts across corporate, business, trade, consumer, and entertainment outlets.
• Lead external communications strategies supporting the company’s consumer streaming brands in cooperation with publicity, marketing, and digital/social teams.
• Contribute to major projects like PR plans, message crafting, and related written materials.
• Support executive communications including awards submissions, speaking engagements, and speechwriting.
• Assist with brand reputation management and crisis response through media monitoring, tracking issues during critical periods, and analyzing industry trends.
• Provide support during internal and industry events as needed.
• Collaborate on monitoring, analyzing, and summarizing industry reports to deliver clear insights for internal stakeholders, such as quarterly earnings overviews.
• Coordinate internally on employee messaging, forums, and team meetings with communications partners.

Candidate Requirements

• At least 5 years of professional experience in public relations, publicity, or external communications.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills with strong capability to execute deadline-driven writing and editing independently.
• Proven expertise in preparing and revising press releases, fact sheets, biographies, executive talking points, strictly adhering to AP style and detail.
• Highly organized, attentive to detail, with excellent time management and project prioritization skills.
• Ability to create compelling corporate narratives and messaging strategies.
• In-depth understanding of earned media landscapes, established media relationships, and a comfort level engaging with journalists.
• Skill in presenting communication strategies effectively in meetings.
• Innovative approach toward achieving communications goals by enhancing efficiency and challenging conventional tactics.
• Strategic and creative problem-solving aptitude.
• Maintains discretion and professionalism with confidential materials; curious and eager to learn about business and industry dynamics.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools.
• Experienced with Boolean search and media monitoring software like Muck Rack.

Preferred Qualifications

• Flexibility and sound judgment in adapting to continuously evolving news cycles and shifting priorities.
• Experience within the entertainment sector is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Familiarity with Disney’s streaming services, including an appreciation for the company’s brand and related content offerings.

Educational Background

A bachelor's degree or equivalent, ideally in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related discipline.

Additional Details

• This position requires employees to work on-site in Burbank for four days each week and may involve early mornings, evenings, and weekends as necessary.

Compensation

The salary range for this role in Burbank, CA, is $115,500 to $154,800 annually. The exact base salary depends on internal equity, the candidate’s location, skills, knowledge, and experience. Compensation may also include bonuses and/or long-term incentive units, along with full medical, financial, and other benefits, depending on the level and job specifics.