Public Relations Manager

The PR Manager will be responsible for delivering strategic public relations support for halo (pop culture & fashion) collaborations across all Disney brands: Disney Classics, Princess, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, ESPN, 20th Century as well as leading public relations efforts for the entirety of the Disney Classics portfolio. These efforts will drive the consumer products business globally and will be executed with a global lens. The person in this role will act as one of the main consumer products (DCP) communications contacts, providing strategic counsel to Brand, Marketing and Licensing teams and ensuring PR is represented in all relevant forums.

The PR Manager will work with their leader and key stakeholders to develop cross-category plans to drive awareness of all halo product and campaigns across all brands, and Disney Classic products – inclusive of toys, apparel, accessories, games, publishing, interactive experiences and more – 365 days a year, with additional support for tentpole theatrical, television and digital releases and during key times for retail. In addition, this role will work closely with both the NAM and global teams, B2B, Retail, Licensing, Publishing and Games teams to ensure an effective, two-way flow of information and sharing of resources.
 

The PR Manager will also be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with media, including but not limited to, consumer, fashion, sports, beauty, culture, lifestyle, art, music and tech outlets, in addition to key fan sites and social influencers.

Campaign Development and Delivery

• Develop 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.

• Spearhead business driving campaigns, overseeing idea sell-in and buy-off from key stakeholders; ensure seamless execution, acting as a key connector for all other services (Marketing, Synergy, etc.)

• Manage strategic PR activities, such as press events, trade shows, media tours, influencer programs, new product launches and events from start to finish.

• Monitor brand landscape for potential issues and work closely with Public Affairs team to develop crisis communication plans, draft statements, etc.

• Write and ensure the appropriate distribution of press releases, review and approve the work of junior colleagues.

• Support the management of effective campaign budgets.

• Drive evaluation process on key campaigns and ensure learnings are shared with the team.

• Coordinate activities of third-party agencies as necessary, challenging them to deliver the best results.

• Support other brand 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, especially within the consumer, fashion, sports, beauty, culture, lifestyle, and tech spaces.

• Maintain excellent contacts with key media and constantly seek out new opportunities to grow network.

• Proactively engage with media contacts across trade, business and consumer facing publications. developing media strategies, providing background information and pitching product and trend stories.

• Help define media strategy around specific campaigns and initiatives to deliver the best possible results.

• Ensure seasonal campaigns tap into the media agenda effectively to maximize impact.

Relationship Management

• Act as one of the main CP communications contacts for specified Franchises for global counterparts and other divisions of CPGP, providing strategic counsel to internal Franchise and marketing teams, as well as senior leadership.

• Build relationships with Franchise teams and proactively share plans/results to maximize impact.

• Lead and/or participate in meetings, presentations and brainstorming sessions to cultivate creative ideas and PR opportunities.

• Manage ongoing communications with licensee and retail PR teams and review/route all press releases and materials for approval.

• Develop relationships with and ensure the appropriate flow of information between different channels in the business (including content partners, marketing, licensing and retail).

• Maintain regular dialogue with marketing teams to align on activity and ensure cross-collaboration when and where appropriate.

Team Management

• Work with supervisor to ensure workload is effectively balanced and priorities are aligned on an ongoing basis.

• Support the management of intern and/or junior-level associates within a matrixed organization, providing clear direction and guidance.

• Ensure quality control of all media materials.

Responsibilities:

• Create and manage communication plans including collaborating with partners, message development/storytelling, overseeing asset creation, event planning, issues management, securing approvals and developing related press materials and social media copy as needed.

• Develop story ideas, messaging and creative content for multiple communication platforms including blog posts, website, social, and other owned digital platforms.

• Coordinate with internal partners to conduct research to support communication planning.

• Maintain owned channels/platforms to ensure alignment with ongoing business priorities.

• Monitor and analyze communication activations to inform strategy.

• Assist on creation of decks/presentations for executive leadership on Public Affairs priorities, projects, and campaigns.

• Cultivate and maintain effective internal & external relationships with media/journalists/editors, key stakeholders, vendors, and other essential partners.

• Assemble and lead small cross-functional project teams through the successful planning and completion of the project, measured by the key deliverables, efficiency, quality, and financial impact (budget, ROI, media value).

• Media relations support, inclusive of owning relationships, and overseeing strategies and stories.

• Hold a grip on the climate and landscape for halo the halo consumer space.

• Have a strong understanding of the trend-driven, and trend-setting consumer. 

• Have an in depth understanding of global luxury, lifestyle and streetwear brands, how they operate and the role they play within the culture.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.

• 6+ years of public relations or communications experience, and experience managing diverse teams by influence.

• Previous experience with global fashion, lifestyle, beauty or athletic brand.

• Excellent writing and storytelling, presentation, and research skills, with an understanding of how to effectively communicate to different audiences.

• Experience managing projects and campaign initiatives with an understanding of overarching goals, objective, and relevant considerations.

• Proficiency with Associated Press writing style.

• Proficiency in translating business objectives into veritable project ideation and development.

• Experience identifying emerging issues and developing communication strategies to mitigate.

• Experience monitoring communications programs and using data to inform strategy.

• Understanding the media landscape and experience working with media.

• Knowledge and experience with a variety of social media platforms/content creation.

• Ability to receive, interpret, and transmit complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Trusted to maintain confidential information.

• Proven self-starter with the ability to execute on multiple projects with competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.

Desired Qualifications:

• Disney operational knowledge or experience

• Passion for the Disney brand

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and/or other content creation platforms

• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule as needed

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $113,800.00 to $152,500.00 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.