Senior Manager, External Communications (Media)

Job Summary

The Senior Manager, External Communications is a seasoned communications leader with deep media relationships, exceptional storytelling instincts, and a proven track record of managing complex, high-profile media strategies in collaboration with senior leaders. This role reports to the Director, External Communications for Disney Experiences (DX), which encompasses Disney’s global theme parks and resorts, cruise line and Walt Disney Imagineering businesses.

The Senior Manager will lead a team of communications professionals and oversee global media relations efforts that elevate brand visibility, build and protect reputation, and manage complex issues across a dynamic, high-profile business segment. This includes identifying proactive storytelling opportunities, cultivating strong relationships inside the company and with high-impact media and creators across platforms, crafting compelling narratives, and providing sound reputational guidance to internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of media relations professionals, including manager-level talent, fostering a culture of excellence, agility, innovation, and accountability.
• Set strategic direction, establish priorities, and oversee the team’s development and execution of proactive media strategies across traditional and emerging platforms.
• Partner with the Manager, External Communications Campaigns & Integration on high-impact media plans supporting priority campaigns.

Media Strategy & Outreach

• Develop and execute integrated media strategies that elevate the company’s visibility and reputation across Tier 1, trade, regional, niche, and emerging media platforms.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with influential journalists, editors, producers, creators, and other emerging voices across business, trade, and digital media.
• Lead rapid-response efforts and manage sensitive or high-stakes media inquiries with precision and discretion.

Issues & Crisis Communication

• Lead the development and execution of media strategies during DX issues and crises, ensuring timely, transparent, and effective communication.
• Anticipate emerging reputational risks and opportunities and partner with senior communications leaders and segment teams to guide media response under pressure.

Storytelling & Content Development

• Collaborate across DX businesses and functions to identify and develop compelling stories that showcase innovation, leadership, guest focus, and business impact.
• Oversee development of press materials, media pitches, and executive messaging.
• Prepare senior leaders and spokespeople for media engagements, including briefings and interviews.

Measurement & Optimization

• Establish KPIs and reporting frameworks to assess media and reputational impact and continuously optimize strategy.
• Stay ahead of media trends, emerging platforms, and industry shifts, including the evolving use of AI, to inform strategy.

Basic Qualifications

• 7+ years of media relations experience with global brands, high-profile government work, or an agency, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success securing and managing coverage in Tier 1 outlets such as The New York Times, Bloomberg, and CNN.
• Excellent written, oral communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience leading issues and crisis communications.
• Demonstrated ability to independently identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and develop strategic communications recommendations.
• Proven ability to navigate complex organizations, build cross-functional partnerships, and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience leading teams, developing manager-level talent, and setting priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Strong business judgment, creative thinking, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of media relations experience.
• Experience in the travel and leisure, entertainment, and/or consumer goods industries.
• Bilingual abilities.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

#DisneyCommsCareers

The hiring range for this position in California is $139,200.00 to $186,600.00 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.