VP Communications & Public Affairs, Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing

VP Communications & Public Affairs, Disney Consumer Products

The Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs for Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, will oversee development and execution of comprehensive communications and public affairs strategies that support business results and build and promote Disney Consumer Products reputation as a global leader in direct to consumer, gaming, publishing, licensing and retail industries.  

This exciting and fast-paced role leverages research and marketplace intelligence to inform strategies and will lead the development of integrated reputation campaigns across the teams responsible for a variety of disciplines including:

• Public Relations
• Internal Communications
• Executive engagement
• Issues management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Corporate Social Responsibility

We are looking for someone who brings creativity, innovation and results-driven strategic planning to the table. In addition, the right candidate will be focused on strong leadership, collaboration and teamwork. 

The position reports to the SVP, Communications and Public Affairs, for Disney Consumer Products and Disney Signature Experiences, and the leader in this role will work directly with a group of dynamic business leaders for Disney Consumer Products.  The VP will lead a team that includes several executives and will have oversight for the work of some of the contracted PR agencies.

This role is based in Glendale and requires the ability to travel regularly. 

Responsibilities

Communications, Public Relations, Executive Communications

• Develop integrated communications strategies that will best support the DCP business
• Oversee the development and execution of internal & external communications strategies for Disney Consumer Products  
• Partner cross-functionally to plan and implement internal communication strategies to ensure clear & consistent delivery of key messages across the business
• Oversee the design and execution of significant events and business town halls
• Integrate with segment Public Relations on strategic priorities
• Oversee Disney Consumer Products Executive Communications teams to develop strategic communication plan to support senior executive engagement, including the President of Disney Consumer Products
• Craft and rollout strategic executive engagement plans intended to drive the business narrative, support organizational evolution, facilitate culture, and retain/motivate employees
• Partner with senior business leaders to ensure seamless development, alignment and implementation of communications strategies that align with business goals
• Lead and provide strategic guidance to communications team to assist senior executives in preparing for media events, speeches, presentations, and interviews
• Manage and develop a team of communications professionals to ensure their continued growth and collaboration on best practices
• Collaborate and build relationships with partners and executives, managing all facets of communications to keep global audiences informed in a dynamic environment where change is a constant
• Serve as the primary point of contact for and work closely with Communications and Public Relations teams globally to develop integrated communication plans that support business
• Design public relations strategies to amplify the brand and products

Corporate Social Responsibility

• In collaboration with the sites, oversee the development and execution of social impact programs and charitable giving for Disney Consumer Products
• Provide strategic leadership to cross-functional corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies that support and enhance business reputation and drive business priorities

Reputation

• Drive results associated with reputation management to bring together communications and public affairs functions across all of Disney Consumer Products businesses with the goal of enhancing the brand reputation
• Handle issues management, stakeholder relations and crisis communications planning

Basic Qualifications:

• Communications expert with a minimum of 10 years of relative communications experience
• Must have experience effectively leading, developing and motivating a team
• Proven ability to communicate complex information, concepts, policies and positions, both verbally and in writing, to internal and external audiences
• Ability to make timely decisions under pressure, and actualize those decisions into results
• Proven expertise in stakeholder management and government relations
• Experience working with teams in international markets with an understanding of communications practices in those markets
• Experience building relationships with media and as a media spokesperson
• In-depth understanding of digital tools and research and analytics
• Individual must be an excellent writer, editor and communicator of ideas and strategies
• Ability to bring clarity to ambiguous situations
• Demonstrated track record in leading a communications function and working directly with senior executive teams
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and execute quickly while maintaining set list of priorities and focus
• Ability to influence people/lead in a matrixed organization and build strong internal/external relationships
• Ability to travel
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, political science or related field

The hiring range for this position in Glendale/Burbank, CA is $211,400 to $283,400 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.