Communications & Public Affairs Director (External Relations)

About the Role

As Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) celebrates two decades of success as a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the Hong Kong Government, we are seeking a strategic and visionary Communications and Public Affairs (CPA) Director to lead our external relations efforts.

This role is pivotal in positioning HKDL as a premier tourism landmark and economic contributor, while cultivating high-impact relationships with governments, public bodies, and key stakeholders across political, industry, and business sectors. The successful candidate will drive advocacy, policy influence, and stakeholder engagement to support HKDL’s development and reputation across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

You will serve as a strategic thought partner to senior leadership, connecting business needs across internal and external stakeholders, and shaping long-term plans that unlock commercial opportunities and foster a business-friendly environment for growth.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute external relations strategies aligned with HKDL’s business priorities and growth milestones.
• Lead shareholder engagement and governance matters in partnership with Legal and Finance, including but not limited to JV board meetings and project steering committee. 
• Anticipate and manage potential or emerging sensitive issues involving government departments, political entities, and NGOs to develop tailored advocacy strategies.
• Collaborate with Media Relations, Finance, Legal, and Segment teams on annual business reviews and economic impact studies to ensure the establishment of an ever-green narrative with clear articulation of HKDL’s value to the community
• Collaborate with the wider CPA teams and other Lines of Business (LOBs) to provide strategic counsel on regulatory, public policy, and political matters.
• Build and maintain relationships with Hong Kong government bureaus, Central Government agents, foreign consular corps, political parties, unions, and business associations.
• Shape regional external relations and outreach strategies, especially in the GBA and mainland China, to elevate HKDL’s profile and unlock new opportunities.
• Oversee industry relations through partnerships with The Hong Kong Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (HKAAPA), Lantau Development Alliance (LaDA), and other regional tourism and theme park entities.
• Advise executives on participation in key industry and business associations and manage high-level protocols for official visits and exchanges.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• University degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Political Science, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10–15 years of experience in Government Relations, Public Administration, Public Affairs, or Communications.
• First-hand experience working with government bodies, public institutions, or political parties; or senior public affairs roles in multinational corporations.
• Strong leadership and a collaborative with a proactive mindset.
• Deep understanding of Hong Kong’s legislative processes, political landscape, and governmental operation and appreciation of geopolitical dynamics.
• Proven experience navigating GBA and mainland China networks is highly crucial.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect business needs across internal and external stakeholders.
• Skilled in influencing and persuading diverse stakeholders to align with HKDL’s vision and objectives.
• Excellent problem-solving, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and drive progress under pressure.
• Executive presence with the ability to simplify complex ideas and consolidate input from senior leaders.
• Business-savvy integrator who can link external relations strategies to broader business and CPA goals.
• Language proficiency in spoken and written English, Cantonese, and Mandarin is required.

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