Sr Manager, Communications - OTE & Disney Accelerator

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Sr Manager, Communications - OTE & Disney Accelerator

🔹 Company: The Walt Disney Company

🔹 Location: Burbank, CA, USA

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-site

🔹 Category: Corporate Affairs/Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Serving as a day-to-day lead for Disney’s Office of Technology Enablement (OTE) and Disney Accelerator Program
• Crafting narratives, press releases, and thought leadership to educate Disney employees and showcase strategic XR & AI initiatives and the Disney Accelerator Program
• Collaborating with senior executives and strategic operations teams to prepare materials for executive speaking engagements and advise on public/press interactions
• Actively monitoring media, identifying trends, and securing strategic press opportunities
• Developing and maintaining tools for the Communications team to establish and advance best practices in the corporate communications sector

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a dynamic and nimble 360-degree communicator with a strong understanding of complex technological concepts and the ability to clearly and concisely devise strategies for 360-degree communications.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Serve as a day-to-day lead point of contact for Disney’s Office of Technology Enablement and the Disney Accelerator Program, supporting the VP of Communications and the wider Communications team in all activities related to the communications needs of both groups.

✅ Collaborate with senior executives and strategic operations teams to identify key goals and priorities, prepare materials for executive speaking engagements, and advise and guide them in public/press interactions.

✅ Actively monitor media to identify trends, target press, and thought leadership opportunities to secure and manage stories with press, appearances in key strategic industry events.

✅ Develop a strong, effective, and regular collaboration with the OTE and Disney Accelerator program administrators and leaders to understand the key needs, priorities, and strategies, and how to best support them from a communications standpoint.

✅ Work with the VP of Communications, OTE leaders, and other partners to create a year-round external and internal communications strategy that articulates Disney’s innovation and responsible engagement with emerging technologies such as XR and AI.

✅ Create external communications content and materials including press releases, blog posts, storytelling content, media pitches, talking points, and more.

✅ Manage the external communications review and approval process for OTE.

✅ Develop internal communications content for various channels, including intranet, email, messaging platforms, and more.

✅ Work closely with other Internal Communications leads both within the immediate team and across the Company.

✅ Work with senior leadership to track communication performance, trends, and opportunities.

✅ With the VP of Communications and other Communication team members, manage any Communications issues.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and the capacity to create documents quickly and communicate effectively under pressure of time constraints.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Communications, Public Relations, or Journalism.

Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in communications and public relations, with significant experience in both internal and external communications, and working in the technology and media industries.

Required Skills:

• Experience building corporate narratives, developing and executing strategic communication plans, and coordinating events.
• Knowledge of, experience with, and passion for emerging technologies such as AI & XR.
• Strong ethics and ability to handle confidential information.
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to take on jobs big and small and make everybody around them better.
• Experience working with technologists and making complex technology understandable to wider, non-technical audiences.
• Resilience: managing multi-stakeholder projects, thriving in a fast-changing landscape, and embracing change.
• Confidence to share an informed point of view and the emotional and professional intelligence to determine the most effective time and method to do so.
• Excellent oral/written communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, create documents quickly, and communicate effectively under pressure of time constraints.
• Proactive self-starting mentality with strong creative thinking and the ability to take initiative with projects and anticipate issues of concern.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in both a corporate environment and the media and technology startup world.
• Existing relationships with tech, business, and trade press preferred.
• Experience and baseline proficiency with various design, video production, and project management tools.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in corporate communications, a passion for emerging technologies, and experience working with both corporate and startup environments.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $137,200 - $183,900 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and 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.

Benefits:

• Medical
• Financial
• Stock Options
• Equity

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Willingness and availability to work evenings and weekends as well as travel for work/production/events as needed.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the information given in the job posting. Actual compensation may vary based on the factors mentioned above.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Entertainment Providers. The Walt Disney Company is a multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate, known for its film studio, television network, cable networks, publishing, merchandising, and theme park businesses.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large corporation, Disney offers extensive resources, established processes, and numerous opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: 1992. Disneyland Paris was established in 1992 and has since grown to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

Company Description:

• Disneyland Paris is a magical place where dreams come true every day for millions of visitors from around the world.
• The success of delivering these magical experiences is thanks to a team of 15,000 Cast Members who live Walt Disney’s vision and bring imagination and wonder to our guests while seeing their own careers flourish.
• With 500 different job profiles across corporate and operations departments, Disneyland Paris offers a wide range of career opportunities.

Company Specialties:

• Marketing
• Communication
• Ingénierie
• Ressources Humaines
• Ventes
• Finance
• Juridique
• Développement immobilier
• Informatique
• Evénementiel
• Supply Chain
• Logistique
• Achats
• Revenue Management
• Etudes
• Stratégie
• Audit
• Construction
• pricing
• Accueil
• Tourisme
• and Hôtellerie

Company Website: careers.disneylandparis.com/fr

ASSUMPTION: Working at Disneyland Paris offers a unique opportunity to be part of a magical and creative environment, with a strong focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences and fostering the growth and development of its team members.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior. This role requires a significant amount of experience in communications and public relations, with a strong focus on strategic planning and execution, as well as the ability to work effectively with senior leadership and stakeholders.

Reporting Structure: The Sr Manager, Communications will report directly to the VP of Communications and work closely with other members of the Product & Technology Communications team, as well as senior executives and strategic operations teams within the Office of Technology Enablement and the Disney Accelerator Program.

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time, with a willingness and availability to work evenings and weekends as needed, as well as travel for work/production/events.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a more senior role within the Communications team or take on additional responsibilities within the broader organization.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile projects and initiatives, gaining valuable experience and exposure to senior leadership.
• Access to professional development resources and training opportunities to support career growth and development.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, working on high-profile projects and initiatives, and collaborating with senior leadership and stakeholders.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork within a creative and dynamic environment.

Office Location(s): Marne la vallée, Chessy, ile-de-France 77700, FR

Geographic Context:

• Disneyland Paris is located in the eastern suburbs of Paris, approximately 32 kilometers from the city center.
• The region offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and recreational facilities.
• The area is well-connected by public transportation, with several train stations and bus routes serving the region.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a willingness and availability to work evenings and weekends as needed, as well as travel for work/production/events.

ASSUMPTION: Working at Disneyland Paris offers a unique opportunity to be part of a magical and creative environment, with a strong focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences and fostering the growth and development of its team members.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with hiring manager
• Final round interview with senior leadership
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and ability to craft compelling narratives
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Understanding of emerging technologies and their applications
• Ability to work effectively with senior leadership and stakeholders
• Project management and organizational skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Disney’s brand and values, as well as your passion for emerging technologies.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication skills, strategic thinking, and ability to work effectively with senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Showcase your portfolio or examples of your work, if applicable.

ATS Keywords: Communications, Public Relations, Strategic Planning, Emerging Technologies, Project Management, Narrative Development, Media Relations, Event Coordination, Team Collaboration, Content Creation, Technology Translation, Stakeholder Management, Writing, Creativity, Organizational Skills, Resilience

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may be competitive, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the position throughout the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Media Encoder, Firefly
• Keynote
• Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Teams, and coPilot
• Google G Suite (including Gemini)
• Canva
• Trello
• Smartsheet

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in these tools is preferred but not required. Candidates should be willing to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Quality
• Excellence
• Innovation
• Creativity
• Integrity
• Respect
• Walt Disney’s vision: to bring happiness to millions and to make the dreams of children of all ages come true.

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Dynamic and fast-paced
• Focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences
• Committed to fostering the growth and development of team members

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with Disney’s company values, particularly in the context of this role?
• How do you approach working in a dynamic and fast-changing environment, and how do you embrace change?
• How do you balance the need for creativity and innovation with the requirement for strong organizational and project management skills?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with Disney’s company values and their ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Working with senior leadership and stakeholders with varying communication styles and expectations
• Balancing the need for creativity and innovation with the requirement for strong organizational and project management skills
• Adapting to change and embracing new technologies

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they have overcome similar challenges in previous roles and how they plan to approach these potential challenges in this position.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on communications for emerging technologies and the Disney Accelerator Program, but it shares similarities with other senior communications roles within the entertainment and technology industries.
• Compared to other senior communications roles, this position may require a stronger focus on understanding and communicating complex technological concepts and trends.
• Career paths for this role may include progression to more senior communications positions within the organization or transitioning to other strategic communications roles within the entertainment and technology sectors.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and how it has prepared them for this unique role, as well as their long-term career goals and aspirations.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive communications strategy for the launch of a new emerging technology initiative within the Office of Technology Enablement
• Creating a series of thought leadership articles and blog posts showcasing Disney’s commitment to innovation and responsible engagement with emerging technologies such as XR and AI
• Managing the external communications review and approval process for a high-profile event or announcement related to the Disney Accelerator Program

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and how it has prepared them for these types of projects, as well as their approach to similar tasks and challenges.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the most significant communications challenge you’ve faced in a previous role, and how you approached it?
• How do you stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and their applications in the entertainment industry?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment, and how did you ensure the quality and timeliness of your work?
• How do you approach working with senior leadership and stakeholders with varying communication styles and expectations?
• Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your role or the organization, and how did you embrace that change?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful and insightful questions about the role, the team, and the organization to demonstrate their interest and engagement in the interview process.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on your communication skills, strategic thinking, and ability to work effectively with senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication skills, strategic thinking, and ability to work effectively with senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Showcase your portfolio or examples of your work, if applicable.
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.