Senior Manager, Communications (Walt Disney World Resort)

Senior Manager, Communications (Walt Disney World Resort)

Walt Disney World Resort is the largest and most visited theme park destination in the world attracting millions of visitors each year. Be a part of a team responsible for shaping the resort’s reputation and telling its story. As Walt Disney World Resort begins a new period of growth and excitement, you will help drive communication strategies that lead to a lifetime of memories for our Cast and our guests.

The Senior Manager, Communications is responsible for developing and implementing holistic communication strategies that support business goals, build trust among key audiences, and shape the reputation of Walt Disney World Resort as a great place to visit and work. 

The Senior Manager is a proactive problem solver and will develop creative ways to support the Cast experience, drive the business and effectively engage internal and external audiences, including news media, third parties and our cast members.

In this role you will lead a team of individuals and work with multiple stakeholders across Walt Disney World, Disney Experiences and The Walt Disney Company to bring these strategies to life, including efforts supporting the #DisneyCastLife campaign and future growth projects across Walt Disney World.

What You’ll Do as Senior Manager, Communications

• Offer new ideas to tell our stories and bring big, transformative ideas to the table.
• Develop and implement internal and external communication strategies on a broad range of business initiatives, leveraging appropriate communication channels to achieve goals. This includes writing media statements, crafting FAQs and engaging third parties as needed.
• Proactively identify opportunities to build and protect WDW’s reputation. Promote key reputation drivers among key audiences and identify/mitigate emerging issues using an integrated approach that takes into account all aspects of communication.
• Work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Develop content that aligns with strategic priorities for site and segment – while thinking outside the box and reaching new forms of media.
• Serve as a consultant, influencer and strategic thought partner to team, peers, leadership and business partners to understand business/audience needs and proactively shape communication.
• Participate in on-call rotation which includes media engagement, issues management and crisis response efforts.
• Build internal and external relationships to help effectively deliver integrated communication strategies.
• Lead and continuously develop a team of talented professionals.
   

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience: this can include a mix of experience within agency, corporate communications, employee engagement, public relations, public affairs or government communications role, with prior experience with issues management and handling confidential information.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently deliver results as part of a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Leadership competencies in the ability to influence and persuade, building relationships with partners and stakeholders in a collaborative team environment. 
• Professional experience leading a team.
• Must be able to think strategically, act as a consultant, communicate effectively and manage projects. This role generates and executes creative ideas while managing costs and budgets.
• Proven ability to be a self-starter develop high-quality work product in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, with changing priorities.
• Regularly engages with senior executives, requiring a high level of discretion, judgement, and strategic insight.
• Experience using social media and current technologies to support, schedule and analyze successful communication campaigns.
• Experience overseeing the development of communication and content for both internal and external audiences.
• Strong skills in writing, presenting and editing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience developing and writing strategic communication plans.
• Graphic design experience.
• Experience developing employee engagement campaigns.
• Professional experience in finance, technology or business communications.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Communications, English/Creative Writing, Public Relations, Journalism, or equivalent work experience

Additional Information

• This is an onsite role in Lake Buena Vista, Florida
• Flexible schedule required in order to participate in on-call rotation, including select nights and weekends, for incident, emergency and media response.
   

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