SVP, Communications – Ad Sales

Location: New York, NY

Job Summary:

The Senior Vice President, Communications – Ad Sales plays a critical and essential leadership role in shaping, articulating and advancing the external and internal communications strategy for Disney Ad Sales. This executive will work cross-functionally with senior leaders across sales, product, data, research and additional communications teams to position Disney Ad Sales as the marketplace leader in the streaming, addressable and data-enabled advertising landscape.

Reporting to the EVP, Communications – Disney Entertainment Television & Direct-to-Consumer, the SVP will oversee a wide range of efforts, including executive thought leadership, industry press engagement, trade and business media relations, internal communications, award submissions and issues/crisis management. As a key driver of corporate narratives and reputational management, the SVP will work closely with the president of Global Advertising for The Walt Disney Company and their senior team to craft, refine and amplify key messaging for clients, press, internal stakeholders and consumers. Additionally, this individual will lead the communications strategy around signature campaigns, initiatives and events for Ad Sales.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in advertising technology, media strategy and B2B storytelling, and demonstrate a deep understanding of the evolving ad-supported video ecosystem. This person will collaborate with colleagues across the broader Disney portfolio to ensure a unified and forward-thinking communications approach.

The SVP will bring strategic clarity, editorial sophistication and a proactive mindset to the work, while also developing and mentoring a high-performing team. This leader will be deeply invested in shaping a future-forward narrative around Disney’s growing advertising solutions, particularly in streaming, performance marketing, programmatic and first-party data innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications plans for Disney Ad Sales, with a focus on innovation in streaming, addressable and automated advertising solutions.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior Ad Sales executives and cross-functional partners.
• Spearhead thought leadership and executive visibility opportunities including conference participation, speaking engagements, op-eds and social media strategy.
• Craft messaging strategies that effectively communicate complex advertising products, solutions and data capabilities to external stakeholders.
• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications plans for Disney Ad Sales, with a focus on innovation in streaming, addressable and automated advertising solutions.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior Ad Sales executives and cross-functional partners.
• Spearhead thought leadership and executive visibility opportunities including conference participation, speaking engagements, op-eds and social media strategy.
• Craft messaging strategies that effectively communicate complex advertising products, solutions and data capabilities to external stakeholders.
• Maintain strong relationships with key industry press, reporters and analysts; respond to inquiries and proactively pitch media opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with corporate communications, publicity, marketing, legal and business units to manage reputation, mitigate issues and coordinate messaging.
• Guide the team in developing high-impact communications materials, including press releases, Q&As, talking points, internal memos and award submissions.
• Oversee the internal communication strategy for Ad Sales, ensuring alignment and consistency with broader Disney priorities.
• Stay informed on industry trends and competitive moves to inform proactive positioning and storytelling.
• Build and maintain a culture of collaboration, curiosity and creative thinking across the team and the broader organization.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum 15 years of relevant communications experience, including at least five years in the media/streaming/ad tech sectors.
• Demonstrated success in corporate communications, public relations and executive visibility within a complex, matrixed organization.
• Strong leadership experience, with a record of mentoring and managing high-performing communications teams.
• Deep understanding of the advertising industry, including data-driven and addressable marketing solutions, programmatic platforms and performance-based advertising.
• Proven ability to communicate complex business strategies and innovations clearly to media, clients and internal stakeholders.
• Exceptional writing and editorial skills with experience drafting speeches, remarks, talking points and press materials.
• Demonstrated crisis communications experience and ability to manage reputational issues with discretion and confidence.
• Proactive and decisive, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in advertising sales, media or a related B2B environment.
• Pre-existing relationships with trade, tech and business reporters covering media, advertising and streaming.
• Experience supporting C-suite executives in a highly visible communications capacity.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and work collaboratively across disciplines.
• Familiarity with evolving industry dynamics around data privacy, measurement and streaming monetization.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field.
   

The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $309,800 to $415,500 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.