Programming Strategist (Disney Entertainment Television)

The Disney Channels Programming Strategy team owns the planning and scheduling of our Disney Branded Television content across various platforms, including linear, nonlinear, DTC and YouTube platforms, and sits within the Disney Entertainment Television group.  The team programs hundreds of hours of premiere content per year, as well as library content in both long and short form formats. From linear and nonlinear television to Disney+, YouTube and beyond, our team crafts the release strategies that connects our content with the largest possible kid’s audiences across all platforms. The team is the ultimate curators, platform strategists and slate planners for kids’ content from the Walt Disney Company.

The Programming Strategist is responsible for the day-to-day execution, publishing and optimization of Disney Entertainment Television’s “made for kids” YouTube channels.  This role is a hands-on operator who manages content production, packaging and channel operations, while also applying data-driven insights and platform best practices to support channel growth and performance.  The Programming Strategist partners closely with Programming, Marketing, and Research teams to ensure content is effectively distributed, optimized and aligned with the broader platform strategy.  The position requires system knowledge of YouTube Studio/Analytics, and Adobe Premiere and Photoshop for content creation needs.

Responsibilities:

• Content Production & Publishing

  • Produce, edit and upload content across YouTube channels, including: full episodes, compilations, livestreams, shortform, vertical shorts.

  • Create and optimize thumbnail graphics aligned with brand performance and best practices.

  • Execute end-to-end publishing workflows: titles, descriptions, metadata, tags, chapters, and end screens.

  • Ensure accuracy, quality control, and timely delivery of all published content.

  • Support execution of content plans defined by Programming Strategy team.

• Channel Operations & Maintenance

  • Manage daily channel operations, including: homepage curation, playlist organization, metadata updates, and link maintenance.

  • Maintain channel health and consistency across all published content.

  • Troubleshoot publishing, CMS, or platform issues and provide feedback on tools and workflows.

  • Serve as a key operational contact for YouTube/Google partners and internal stakeholders (e.g., claims, monetization workflows).

• Performance Monitoring & Optimization

  • Monitor channel and content performance in partnership with Research teams.

  • Track key metrics such as views, watch time, CTR and retention

  • Apply performance learnings to:

    • Improve thumbnails, titles and metadata.

    • Optimize content packaging and publishing cadence.

  • Support testing and iteration of content formats and presentations.

• Content Optimization & Platform Best Practices

  • Implement YouTube best practices across all uploads and channel experiences.

  • Stay current on platform trends, algorithm shifts and emerging features.

  • Assist in testing and refining thumbnails, titles, and formats using performance insights.

  • Identify opportunities to improve discoverability and engagement within existing content.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Programming, Production, Marketing and Digital teams to execute content plans.

  • Support promotional campaigns, tentpoles and cross-platform initiatives.

  • Coordinate with international teams where needed for content execution.

• Audience & Platform Insights

  • Monitor audience behavior, trends, and feedback to inform optimization decisions.

  • Share observations and insights with the broader team to improve programming strategy.

  • Stay informed on kids’ content trends and digital platform behaviors.

• Platform Operations & Monetization Support

  • Support technical workflows related to:

    • Fingerprinting, content claims, monetization, and geo-filtering.

  • Assist with implementation of platform features such as Shorts or Live initiatives.

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years YouTube channel management experience managing a growing and successful YouTube channel (100k+ subscribers), YouTube certification a plus.

• 3+ years’ video editing and image editing experience.

• Experience with growing an online community, content creation for social media, and knowledge of SEO and/or copywriting and YouTube best practices.

• Experience managing a major brand and working with creative teams.

• Strong in-depth knowledge and interest in online trends and pop culture, especially Disney Channel Networks fandoms, apps and video content trends.

• Creative and strategic thinker who can solve complex problems and identify creative solutions.

• Self-starter with the ability to multi-task, prioritize workflow and work well in a fast-paced environment.

• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.

• Excellent communications skills both written and verbal.

• Ability to learn new systems quickly, and work independently.

• Demonstrated experience with Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop, YouTube Studio/Analytics, CMS and digital asset workflows, Microsoft Office suite, Microsoft Teams, Google Docs, Keynote.

• Proficient with Mac and PC computers.

• Interest in children’s programming.

• Bachelor’s degree in media related field preferred or equivalent work experience.

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $79,400 to $106,400 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.