Director - Machine Learning Center PMO

About The Walt Disney Studios:

For over 95 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today it brings quality movies, episodic storytelling, music, and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. The Walt Disney Studios encompasses a collection of respected film studios, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures. It is also home to Disney Theatrical Productions, producer of world-class stage shows.

Join Our Team

We are currently seeking a seasoned Director for our newly formed Machine Learning Center, who can drive our machine learning initiatives and deliver meaningful business outcomes.

If you are a visionary leader passionate about harnessing the power of AI while ensuring its responsible use, we invite you to apply for the role of Director of Program Management. Help us drive innovation and educational excellence, shaping the future of AI at our studios with integrity and impact.

Job Summary

As the Director of Program Management at the Studios Machine Learning Center, you will oversee a diverse portfolio of AI/ML projects, ensuring they align with our strategic objectives and deliver measurable outcomes. Additionally, you will drive the development of our Responsible AI thought leadership practice, ensuring that our AI implementations are ethical, responsible, and impactful.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management: Oversee multiple project portfolios within the Machine Learning Center, ensuring effective execution and alignment with broader business goals. Monitor progress, mitigate risks, and optimize resources across projects.

• Educational Leadership: Develop and manage comprehensive AI/ML educational programs aimed at upskilling both technical product teams and non-technical knowledge workers within the Studio.

• Responsible AI Advocacy: Lead the development of a Responsible AI practice, establishing guidelines and frameworks to ensure ethical use of AI technologies. Promote awareness and integration of responsible AI principles across all AI initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with leaders across technology, product development, and corporate functions to ensure that program goals are understood and supported across the organization.

• Change Management: Lead change management efforts associated with the implementation of new technologies and practices. Ensure that both technical and business teams are prepared for changes brought about by the introduction of AI tools and capabilities across the Studio.

• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain regular communication with executive leadership and key stakeholders, providing updates on program status, insights, and strategic advice on AI implementation.

Skills/Experience

• Proven Program Management Expertise: At least 10+ years in program management, with significant experience managing large-scale technology or AI-related programs.

• Leadership and Strategic Planning: Strong leadership skills with the ability to set vision, drive change, and deliver results through complex program management.

• Knowledge of AI/ML Technologies: A solid understanding of AI/ML technologies and applications, with the ability to oversee technical projects and guide non-technical stakeholders.

• Ethics and Compliance: Deep commitment to ethical principles, with experience developing or leading initiatives focused on the responsible use of technology.

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical and ethical issues to a diverse audience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, related fields or equivalent industry experience, an advanced degree is preferred.

• Minimum 12 years of experience in program management, with a proven track record of success in leading and delivering large-scale programs.

• 3+ years of experience preparing materials for and briefing senior executives.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

• Experience in the entertainment or media industries, with an understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities in these sectors.

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $199,000 to $266,800 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.