Job Summary
The External Communications Manager (PH/IA) is a strategic and creative communications professional with expertise in developing and executing high-impact media relations campaigns across the media spectrum—including print, digital, influencer, podcast, and YouTube platforms. This role reports to the Manager, External Communications for Disney Experiences (DX), which encompasses Disney’s global theme parks and resorts, cruise line, Walt Disney Imagineering, and consumer products businesses.

The Manager will lead global media relations efforts to elevate brand visibility, build and protect reputation, and manage complex issues across a dynamic and high-profile business segment. This includes cultivating strong relationships inside the company and with media across platforms, crafting compelling narratives, and serving as a trusted advisor on reputational matters.

**Note: This is a project hire/internal assignment role until June 2026.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategic global media relations plans that support key business initiatives, drive brand awareness, and reinforce Disney’s reputation as a leader in travel, leisure, and consumer experiences.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across national, international, international, trade, and digital media outlets.
• Identify and pitch unique, reputation-enhancing stories that showcase DX’s innovation, impact, and values—while also helping to proactively manage potential risks or sensitive topics.
• Serve as a key resource for issues management and crisis communications, helping to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to reputational challenges with clarity, speed, and strategic alignment.
• Craft and pitch compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences, leveraging media insights and business priorities.
• Proactively problem-solve, with a strong instinct for identifying challenges and presenting actionable solutions to senior leaders without prompting.
• Partner with internal teams across DX, including Employee Communications, Corporate Citizenship, Public Relations, and Special Events, to ensure media strategies are integrated and aligned.
• Support the implementation of global issues management frameworks, including tools and processes that enable proactive and reactive communications across the segment.
• Special projects as assigned by External Communications leadership, contributing to high-visibility initiatives and cross-functional efforts.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of media relations experience with global brands, government entities, or agencies.
• Proven experience in issues management and crisis communications, with a strong understanding of reputational risk.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule as needed.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, persuasive messaging.
• Experience in digital communications, including paid and organic strategies.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, initiative, and ability to anticipate emerging issues.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the Travel and Leisure, Entertainment, or Consumer Goods industries.
• Bi-lingual or multilingual capabilities.
• Familiarity with advanced media monitoring and analytics tools.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

About Disney Experiences:

Disney Experiences brings the magic of Disney’s stories and characters to fans around the world, creating unforgettable memories that last a lifetime. Since the opening of Walt Disney’s first theme park in Anaheim, California in 1955, it has grown into the global leader in family entertainment. The portfolio includes Disney Parks, with 12 theme parks and 57 resort hotels across six global destinations—and a new destination underway in Abu Dhabi. It also features Disney Signature Experiences, including Disney Cruise Line (expanding to 13 ships by 2031), Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, Disney Institute, and Storyliving by Disney. Walt Disney Imagineering powers the creative vision behind these experiences, while Disney Consumer Products brings the magic home through toys, apparel, publishing, and digital games. Wherever fans connect with Disney, Disney Experiences is there—delivering joy, wonder, and a touch of pixie dust.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is part of a business segment we call Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products, supporting our Global Communications and Strategy Center of Excellence.

The Walt Disney Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The hiring range for this position in Glendale is $115,500-$154,800 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.