Senior Manager, Exhibitions & Loans

Department/Group Overview:

Recognizing the unique and enduring creative legacy started by Walt Disney, the Walt Disney Archives was established in 1970 to collect, preserve and make available for research the historical materials relating to Walt and the company he founded.

As the Walt Disney Archives grows and expands its services, collections, programs, and outreach, to both internal and external clients and employees companywide, the department is seeking an enthusiastic, forward-thinking, motivated professional eager to join their team.

Job Summary:

The Senior Manager, Exhibitions & Loans will lead the strategic development and expansion of the Walt Disney Archives’ exhibitions and loans program. This role is responsible for overseeing the creative and high-level development and execution of new exhibitions, managing the logistics of existing traveling exhibitions, displays, and loans, and identifying future venues and strategic partners to further enhance the reach and impact of Archives experiences worldwide. This position will formalize and drive the long-term business strategy for exhibitions and loans, leveraging industry expertise to support the continued growth and success of the program through targeted business planning, partnership development, and global audience engagement.

The Senior Manager will oversee a multidisciplinary team that includes Manager, Exhibitions, an Exhibition Designer, Registrar, Project Manager, Exhibitions Coordinator, and Exhibitions Preparator, providing leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to ensure the successful development and execution of exhibitions and related experiences. This role will play a critical part in maximizing revenue generation opportunities through touring exhibitions and loans by securing new partnerships, expanding venue opportunities, and strengthening relationships with key industry collaborators. In addition to supporting financial growth and sustainability, this position will help expand the global visibility of the Disney brand while showcasing the breadth and significance of the Walt Disney Archives collection.

Through exhibitions and loans, the Walt Disney Archives continues to preserve and share Disney’s rich heritage with audiences around the world. These experiences serve as powerful storytelling and marketing platforms that deepen connections with existing fans while introducing new audiences to the legacy, creativity, and cultural impact of Disney.

Responsibilities and Duties of the Role:

Overseeing all contractual agreements and strategic sales negotiations with various touring partners, venues, vendors, licensees, contractors, designers, and freelance contributors working on Archives exhibits & experiences.

Oversee the team in planning, development, and organization of exhibitions in conjunction with the Manager, Exhibitions.  

           

Develop near- and long-term strategies for growing and optimizing revenue from touring exhibition and experiences produced by the Walt Disney Archives; prepare comprehensive business strategy materials for senior leadership. Responsible for annual revenue targets and budgets that range from $250K - $2-3M          

Collaborate with stakeholders across TWDC to align on content priorities and exhibition scheduling strategies; partner with business unit executives to drive strategic development initiatives for touring exhibitions and experiences; work closely with the TWDC Live Ticketed Events Greenlight Committee on all Archives exhibitions and experiences      

        

Conduct extensive research on potential venues, promoters, and partners for exhibitions and experiences; travel for location scouting and benchmarking; research and analyze global media and entertainment trends relevant to touring exhibitions

Basic Qualifications:

• 5+ years of senior-level professional experience in exhibition management, touring exhibition production, or the live entertainment industry, with a focus on exhibition production, installation, or project management involving large-scale projects and budgets.
• Experience with demonstrated success overseeing complex touring exhibitions and collaborative projects with museums, cultural institutions, and external partners from concept through installation and execution.
• Oversee the high-level strategy and planning for the exhibition & loans calendar
• Key skills include coordinating complex logistics, managing contracts, and negotiating with domestic & international venues.
• Proficiency in project management tools, strong communication, and the ability to travel for location scouting and onsite installation.
• Familiarity with film and television industries; Knowledge of cinema history.
• Familiarity and knowledge of The Walt Disney Company, and its associated brands and affiliates, both past and present, a plus.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $115,500.00 to $154,800.00 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.