Director, Communications & Public Affairs

Every day at Disney Signature Experiences (Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, Storyliving by Disney, Golden Oak, Disney Institute and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa), we take pride in bringing the magic of travel to life.

The Director, Communications & Public Affairs is responsible for leading and inspiring a multi-disciplined team of internal and external communication professionals. The role requires someone who is creative and an early adopter of new technologies that will take these skills to effectively partner with key stakeholders to develop and implement holistic communication strategies that support business objectives, build trust among key audiences and drive reputation. The position reports to the Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs.

A day in the Life:

• Oversee all aspects of a creative, nimble and high-volume communications office. Serve as a spokesperson and member of the emergency and crisis response team. Facilitate ongoing communication and media training for other company executives and spokespeople. 
• Act as a consultant and strategic thought partner to senior leadership and business partners to understand the business and audience needs.
• Lead the development and implementation of strategic communication plans that are 360 in nature and include a variety of tactics including earned media and internal and social content. 
• Proactively identify opportunities to build and protect Disney’s reputation. Promote key reputation drivers and identify emerging issues 
• Build internal and external relationships to help effectively deliver integrated communication strategies.
• Demonstrate an ability to work in a matrixed organization with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Oversee the distribution of internal and external communication, with a focus on continuous improvement to more quickly and effectively deliver accurate and timely information to key stakeholders.
• Lead and continuously develop a team of talented professionals.
• Seek synergy opportunities across the businesses to make communication efforts as efficient and effective as possible.
• Work in coordination with Operational teams to ensure Cast are prepared to deliver on the five keys of the company, Safety, Courtesy, Show, Efficiency and Inclusion.

Basic Qualifications

• 7+ years’ professional experience in corporate communications, media relations, public relations or equivalent
• Proven ability to drive high-quality work product in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Experienced team leader with expertise in people development
• Demonstrated strong leadership, influencing and project management skills
• Disciplined organizational skills in all aspects of job performance with strong attention to detail
• Excellent presentation, writing, and editing skills
• Exceptional consulting abilities
• Demonstrated capacity to safeguard sensitive information
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Experience in managing budgets
• Demonstrated creative thinking and the ability to take initiative with projects and anticipate issues of concern
• Flexibility, resourcefulness and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing and growing environment
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to broadly influence and effectively forge partnerships both internally and externally
• High level of corporate professionalism, maturity and political savvy
• Strong ability to synthesize large amounts of actionable data points
• Demonstrated ability generating and executing creative ideas
• Skilled at identifying and leveraging new technologies to advance communication

Preferred Qualifications

• Disney operational knowledge or experience. 

• Passion for the Disney brand. 

• Experience with a Fortune 500 company. 

• Experience with travel, hospitality or consumer products industry. 

• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule as needed. 

Education

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or equivalent work experience. 

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