Senior Specialist, Public Relations

Senior Specialist, Public Relations– CPGP

Consumer Products, Games and Publishing (CPGP) is the division of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (DPEP) that brings beloved brands and franchises into the daily lives of families and fans through products – from toys to t-shirts, apps, books, console games and more – and experiences that can be found around the world, including on the shopDisney e-commerce platform and at Disney Parks, local and international retailers, as well as Disney store locations globally. The business is home to world-class teams of product, licensing and retail experts, artists and storytellers, and technologists who inspire imaginations around the world.

The Senior Specialist will be responsible for helping to deliver strategic public relations campaigns for the Disney Classics and Media Franchises, as well as fashion and pop culture campaigns that will drive the consumer products business globally with a focus on North America. The person in this role will act as one of the main consumer products (CP) communications contacts and ensure PR is represented in all relevant forums.

The Senior Specialist will work with their leaders and key stakeholders to develop cross-category plans to drive awareness of Disney Classics and Media products – inclusive of toys, apparel, accessories, games, publishing, interactive experiences and more – 365 days a year, with additional support for halo and pop culture campaigns, tentpole theatrical, television and digital releases and during key times for retail (e.g., back to school, holiday, etc.). In addition, this role will work closely with the global, B2B, Retail, Licensing, Publishing and Games teams to ensure an effective, two-way flow of information and sharing of resources.

The Senior Specialist will also be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with media central to the specified Franchises, including but not limited to, consumer, lifestyle and tech outlets, in addition to key fan sites and social influencers.

Responsibilities :

Campaign Development and Delivery

• Support strategic PR activities, such as press events, trade shows, media tours, influencer programs, new product launches and events
• Monitor brand landscape for potential issues and work closely with leaders and public affairs team to develop crisis communication plans, draft statements, etc.
• Support the coordination of activities of third-party agencies as necessary, challenging them to deliver the best results
• Collect learnings on key campaigns and ensure notes are shared out with the team
• Share ideas and support the buildout of strategic PR plans that deliver on business goals and help drive buzz and coverage of priority programs and products, including licensed consumer goods, games, publishing and interactive experiences
• Draft press releases and ensure the appropriate distribution in collaboration with PR Managers and above
• Support other Franchise campaigns as needed

Media

• Have a finger on the pulse of the PR industry and media landscape and be able to identify strategic PR & event opportunities
• Ensure seasonal campaigns tap into the media agenda effectively to maximize impact
• Maintain existing and actively pursue contacts with key media and constantly seek out new opportunities to grow network
• Develop media strategies, providing meticulous details on product descriptions for trend stories
• Help define media strategy around specific campaigns and initiatives to deliver the best possible results
• Engage with media contacts across trade, business and consumer facing publications in collaboration with your leaders

Relationship Management

• Manage press and social tracking and reporting
• Develop relationships with and ensure the appropriate flow of information between different channels in the business (including content partners, marketing and retail)
• Ensure quality control of all media materials
• Understand how to prioritize tasks and activities in a deadline driven environment
• Build relationships with Franchise teams and proactively share plans/results to maximize impact
• Maintain regular dialogue with marketing teams to align on activity and ensure cross-collaboration when and where appropriate
• Act as one of the main CP communications contacts for specified Franchises for global counterparts and other divisions of CPGP, providing counsel to internal Franchise and marketing teams
• Manage ongoing communications with licensee and retail PR teams and review/route all press releases and materials for approval in collaboration with PR Manager
• Work closely with PR Manager to ensure priorities, deadlines and expectations are met
• Lead and/or participate in meetings, presentations and brainstorming sessions to cultivate creative ideas and PR opportunities

Basic Qualifications :

• Acts as a Brand Ambassador and embodies the Disney culture and values in all aspects of their work
• Approaches work with a high degree of professionalism and commitment
• Experience with problem solving and coming up with creative solutions
• Flexibility, resourcefulness and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing and growing environment
• Able to develop strong, trusting relationships with team members and external partners
• Able to embrace a fast moving, action-oriented environment with a “can do” and positive attitude
• Minimum three years of Communications or Public Relations experience with a Fortune 500 company or public relations agency; retail or consumer products experience preferred
• Exhibits strong communication skills and an ability to work with others who may have diverse communication and work styles

Required Education :

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or marketing (an emphasis in public relations preferred), or equivalent professional experience