Senior Manager, External Communications (Media)

Glendale, CA (On-site)

$139K/yr – $187K/yrSenior Level7+ years expFull time

Posted 2 weeks ago

Job Summary

Own and lead a global media relations function, shaping proactive strategies, executive messaging, and crisis response across DX; drive storytelling, media partnerships, and reputational risk management.

  • Build and mentor a high-performing team of media relations professionals
  • Develop and oversee proactive media plans across Tier 1, trade, and emerging platforms
  • Prepare senior leaders for media engagements and ensure timely crisis communication

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Lead 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.
  • 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.

Requirements

  • 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

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

Disney Experiences brings the magic of Disney stories and franchises to life through theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, unique vacation experiences, products and more around the world.ParksDisney Parks is one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with six resort destinations across the globe, including 12 theme parks, 55 resort hotels, and other unique vacation experiences.ExperiencesDisney Signature Experiences offers family travel and leisure experiences beyond theme parks inclusive of Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Adventures By Disney, National Geographic Expeditions and Storyliving by Disney.ProductsDisney Consumer Products brings beloved brands and franchises into the daily lives of families and fans through products – from toys to t-shirts, apps, books, console games and more – on the Disney Store e-commerce platform and at Disney Parks, local and international retailers, as well as Disney Store locations globally.

4K employees (801 in marketing)

Salaries

Posted range

$139K/yr – $187K/yr

Taken straight from the job posting.

See all Disney Experiences salaries

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
461 (12% of company)
Median Career Experience
26 years
Median Tenure
10.3 years
Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
8

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
66.3K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
48.9%
Direct
37%
Referral
12%
Social
1.7%
Paid
0.3%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~4K

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Senior Manager, External Communications (Media)

Disney Experiences · Glendale, CA · On-site