Communications Manager

Communications Manager, External Communications

Disney Consumer Products – Communications & Public Affairs

Job Summary

Join the dynamic Communications & Public Affairs team at Disney Consumer Products (DCP), where storytelling meets strategy. The Communications Manager, External Communications plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing media relations campaigns that elevate Disney’s consumer products, games, and publishing businesses. This role reports to the Manager of External Communications and will collaborate across teams to protect and enhance the reputation of DCP through proactive storytelling and strategic issues management.

The Manager is a creative, data-driven communicator with a passion for media, a sharp eye for emerging trends, and a strong foundation in public affairs. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is naturally curious, and excels at translating complex information into compelling narratives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic media relations campaigns that support business priorities and reinforce Disney’s reputation globally.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, influencers, and content creators across traditional and emerging platforms.
• Identify and pitch reputation-enhancing stories that highlight DCP’s innovation, values, and impact.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on issues management and crisis communications, providing timely, strategic counsel and support.
• Monitor media trends and sentiment across traditional and social platforms to inform strategy and identify opportunities or risks.
• Collaborate with internal teams—including Executive and Internal Communications, Corporate Citizenship, Marketing, and Franchise—to ensure alignment and integration of messaging.
• Support the development and implementation of national and global issues management frameworks and tools.
• Conduct research and produce actionable insights through media monitoring and social listening.
• Contribute to high-visibility projects and cross-functional initiatives as assigned.
• This role participates in an on-call rotation to support media inquiries, issues management, and operational communications outside of regular business hours.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or media relations, preferably with a global brand or agency.
• Demonstrated experience in media pitching and cultivating relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Proven track record in issues management and crisis communications.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with media monitoring and analytics tools; ability to synthesize data into insights.
• Highly organized, with excellent project management skills and attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the entertainment, consumer products, games or publishing industries.
• Familiarity with advanced media monitoring platforms such as Netbase Quid.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• An employee at this level is an experienced professional specializing in a given functional field by developing a depth/breadth of expertise.