Director Of Public Relations, Walt Disney World Resort

Summary

The Director of Public Relations has a responsibility for driving outstanding public relations efforts to drive business for one of the largest theme park destinations in the world and show measurable results. This role is responsible for leading efforts around promoting a destination larger than the size of San Francisco that includes four theme parks, two water parks, 27 hotels, golf courses, ESPN Wide World of Sports and other experiences offered at the Walt Disney World Resort, and the leader in this role develops and drives strategies that generate national and international media results support the demands of the business.

The Director of Public Relations leads a dynamic and creative team that is focused on the execution of comprehensive PR plans while managing an extensive multi-million-dollar budget each year. In addition, the leader in this role partners and collaborates with other peers to achieve optimal results in the role. The key responsibilities include the following:

Responsibilities

• Present out PR plans and strategies to senior level company executives.
• Provide solution-oriented leadership and guidance on high-profile partner projects (Disney+, ABC, etc) requiring WDW integration.
• Provide strategic direction on development and distribution of timely and relevant PR materials including news releases, photography and video assets.
• Collaborate and consult with PR peers at Disney destinations around the globe to share best practices and key learnings and to align projects to ensure coordinated efforts, messaging and a strong cadence of communications.
• Generate sustained media coverage that supports the Walt Disney World business strategy.
• Develop strategic plans for multiple media events each year and lead the team in the execution of those events for our top local, domestic and international markets. These events also include pre-launch plans that drive excitement and buzz in advance of full marketing engagement.
• Partner closely with DPEP leaders to ensure efficiency and integration throughout the segment.
• Work closely with other leaders within TWDC to maximize synergy opportunities.
• Lead a team of experienced PR professionals and demonstrate a commitment to transformation, diversity and inspirational thinking.
• Partner with Marketing Strategy leadership to ensure PR strategies, tactics and messaging align with broader marketing strategies.
• Anticipate and understand media and consumer trends to ensure the team is working effectively and efficiently while leveraging all media channels to deliver far-reaching, positive coverage.
• Lead the Walt Disney World Public Relations team to develop strategic PR plans that support marketing and communications strategies designed to drive the business, build buzz and generate wide-spread awareness of offerings at theme parks, hotels, Disney Springs venues, water parks, golf courses, ESPN Wide World of Sports, and more.
• Develop creative and innovative content that breaks through clutter to support overall marketing and PR strategies. Partner closely with the Global content team to achieve optimal success.
• Work closely with Operations partners to ensure PR projects are coordinated and do not negatively impact resort operations.
• Adapt planned strategies and tactics to adjust to urgent business needs and opportunities while ensuring key stakeholders are aligned.

Basic Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to produce outstanding results on deadline.
• Strong leadership track record, with demonstrated ability to create a culture that is inclusive, collaborative, high performing and fun; ability to lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team.
• Ability to travel for meetings with media and for special events; some international travel may be required
• Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in PR with proven ability to inspire and motivate the team to drive great results. Minimum five years of experience leading a team; proven ability to champion change and align people to a shared purpose to drive results.
• Proven ability as a strategic thinker and long-range planner; ability to incorporate leading-edge social, editorial and digital communications initiatives to advance business goals.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and collaborate with senior executives, creative partners, and peers across a highly matrixed, fast-paced, innovative, and energetic corporate culture.
• National and major-market media contacts and proven ability to cultivate relationships to advance business goals.
• Content development experience with emphasis on strong writing and editing skills.
• Exceptional strategic and sound judgment and sensitivity to challenging issues and ability to exercise a high level of discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to drive creativity and innovation by generating breakthrough ideas to improve performance.
• Knowledge of and responsiveness to a newsroom culture with demonstrated ability to work media leadership to shape stories and drive messages.
• Strong leader with excellent communications skills to advise top executives, work across various departments, supervise teams and manage partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Theme Park Industry experience a plus
• Experience with other divisions of the Walt Disney Company.
• Bilingual skills and / or international experience are a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the planning and execution of special projects.
• Public Affairs experience in Issues Management, Government Relations, Corporate Citizenship or Internal Communications is a plus.