Manager, Communications

Overview:

The Manager, Communications plays a critical role in shaping and protecting the reputation of Disney Cruise Line as part of the Disney Signature Experiences portfolio. This leader will help drive proactive storytelling, guide strategic communications plans and prepare the organization for emerging issues and high-visibility business initiatives. 
 
This role sits at the intersection of communications strategy, public affairs, media relations, and issues management. The ideal candidate brings strong judgment, creative thinking and a passion for telling meaningful stories that advance business priorities. 
 
The Manager, Communications reports to a Senior Manager, Communications, leads a direct report, and partners closely with teams across Disney Cruise Line, Disney Signature Experiences and Disney Experiences. The role reports to a Senior Manager, Communications for DSE.

Responsibilities:

• Development, production, execution and analysis of proactive communication strategies and campaigns for public affairs initiatives.
• Train and coach team members on effective communication strategies, best practices, and evolving industry standards.
• Plays a key role in issues management and crisis communications planning for DCL.
• Manages strategic plans that deliver on business goals and help drive buzz and coverage of priority programs and products.
• Is accountable for the performance and results of their direct report via clear performance, resource and career management plans.
• Provides strategic council, influence, and guidance to team, peers, and partners across DCL, DSE and DX.
• Develop proactive and reactive communication strategies, messaging frameworks, and media response plans to prepare executives and designated spokespersons for media interviews, community engagements, and sensitive situations.
• Partner closely with DSE Public Affairs teams including Executive Communications, Government Relations, CSR, Public Relations, and Marketing to align messaging and identify business driving storytelling opportunities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or similar.
• 5+ years of communications, public affairs or public relations experience.
• Experience creating global 360-degree communication plans and is able to lead teams to execute on integrated tactics seamlessly.
• Strategic thinker, self-starter, creative problem solver, and skilled media relations practitioner.
• Exhibits deep communication skills and develops strong, trusting relationships with team members and clients.
• Excellent writing and storytelling, presentation/visualization, and research skills, with an understanding of how to effectively communicate to different audiences.
• Experience driving projects and campaign initiatives with an understanding of overarching goals, objectives, and relevant considerations.
• Experience identifying emerging issues and developing strategies to mitigate.
• Fluency in using data to inform communication strategy.
• Understanding the media landscape and experience working with media.
• Plan and deliver creative and informative engagement events, as needed.
• Must be able to think strategically, act consultatively, communicate effectively and manage a direct report and multiple projects and priorities.
• Proven ability to be a self-starter and develop high-quality work product in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, highly matrixed environment with rapidly changing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work with ambiguity, handle confidential and sensitive information.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of travel and cruise industry.
• Disney Experiences knowledge or experience.
• Experience in managing with high volume issues management and crisis communications.
• Familiarity with Sharepoint and media research and monitoring tools such as Meltwater, Muckrack, and Netbase/Quid.
• Experience with a Fortune 500 company.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule and travel, as needed.

Preferred Education:

• Master’s Degree in Business or Communications

The hiring range for this position in Florida is $110,000.00 to $147,500.00 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.