Communications Manager

About the team

This communications group supports several business areas within The Walt Disney Company, including Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product and Technology, and Games. This position focuses primarily on communications for Disney+, Hulu, and the streaming bundle, while also allowing support for other related businesses.

Role overview

The Communications Manager reports to the Senior Manager, DTC Communications and plays a key role on a collaborative, fast-moving team. The role centers on shaping and delivering external communications strategies for Disney+ and Hulu, working across multiple partners and business areas.

The ideal candidate can juggle several priorities at once, moving smoothly from high-level planning to hands-on execution. Strong media relations, the ability to build compelling narratives even when there is no major announcement, and excellent organization are essential. This role also calls for strong project management and relationship-building abilities, especially when working with communications, marketing, and publicity teams across Disney Entertainment Television and Studios.

What you will do

• Work closely with teams across DTC and DEEPT, as well as internal communications, marketing, publicity, and other partners, to tell broader stories around brand campaigns, content, and company initiatives.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with press contacts across corporate, business, trade, consumer, and entertainment media.
• Help shape and deliver a strong external communications plan for the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming brands in partnership with publicity, marketing, and digital/social teams.
• Contribute to key communications materials such as PR plans, messaging documents, and other written content.
• Support executive communications work, including award entries, speaking opportunities, and speechwriting.
• Assist with reputation management and crisis response through press tracking, issue monitoring, and analysis of industry developments during important moments.
• Provide coordination and hands-on support for internal and industry events when required.
• Help track, review, and summarize industry reports into clear takeaways for internal stakeholders, including quarterly earnings recaps.
• Coordinate with internal communications partners on outreach, logistics, employee messaging, forums, and team meetings.

Required qualifications and skills

• At least 5 years of professional experience in public relations, publicity, or external communications.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with proven experience managing writing and editing assignments under tight deadlines and with limited supervision.
• Hands-on experience creating and refining press releases, fact sheets, biographies, executive talking points, and similar materials, with excellent attention to detail and solid AP style knowledge.
• Excellent organization, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Background in developing corporate narratives and messaging.
• Strong understanding of earned media, along with substantial media relations experience and existing press contacts.
• Confidence presenting communications strategies effectively in meetings.
• Ability to improve communication outcomes through more creative, efficient, and effective methods by challenging existing processes and suggesting new approaches.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with creative problem-solving.
• Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion and professionalism, along with curiosity and a desire to learn about the business and industry.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Working knowledge of Boolean search and media monitoring tools such as Muck Rack.

Preferred qualifications

• Comfort with the reality that news cycles move quickly and the flexibility to adapt when priorities change.
• Experience in entertainment is helpful, though not essential.
• Familiarity with Disney’s streaming brands and with the company’s streaming, television, theatrical, and third-party licensed content is a plus.

Education

A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent background is preferred, ideally in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related discipline.

Additional information

This position is based onsite in Burbank and requires four days per week in the office. Early mornings, evenings, and weekends may be needed depending on business demands.

Compensation

The expected pay range for this role in Burbank, CA is $115,500 to $154,800 per year. The actual base salary offered may vary based on internal equity, candidate location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may also be included, along with the full package of medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the level and position offered.