Director, Major Events Commercialization

The director is responsible for collaborating with corporate, DX, ESPN, business and functional leaders, and external businesses / organizations to integrate strategic plans for major events into coherent and aligned strategies that have scale and reach. This includes delivering comprehensive business case(s) with measurable impact; identifying and shaping opportunities through internal and external marketing / sales initiatives, evaluating long-term strategic challenges; and contributing to defining the vision for major event initiatives.  This role requires a versatile individual who is agile – motivated by applying their diverse skills and experiences in new, complex, and ambiguous situations, and can pivot to meet shifting priorities and timelines. For example, they will build and navigate both internal and external relationships, develop strategy and apply commercial acumen, work toward milestone projects that span sports and non-sports events, as well as internal and external milestone events.  To be effective this influential leader must have experience valuating growth strategies, approaching and resolving issues with a global / holistic lens, and delivering results by gaining the support and commitment of others through vision-oriented storytelling. This role is a vital member of the TWDC Major Events Integration senior leadership team and reports to the President, TWDC Major Events Integration. This position will be based in Burbank, or any domestic TWDC site location (Glendale, Anaheim, NYC, Bristol, or Orlando).

Accountabilities:

• Lead a strategic business approach to assess and drive incremental Revenue/OI/other key performance factor growth for the Major Events organization including World Cup, NFL Super Bowl, 2028 Olympics, America 250, and Mickey’s 100th.

• Focus on incremental short and long-term growth, brand and strategic value opportunities, and Commercial business initiatives with key partners.

• Build, develop and analyze strategic business plans, provide business insight, and support decision-making processes.

• Collaborate with and coordinate across all business areas to deliver and exceed brand and partnership objectives across all content/IP franchises. Collaboration will also include local community organizations, leagues, tourism organizations, and local / global businesses.

• Understand future pipelines, identify and shape commercial activities to leverage brands before, during, and after major events, and be fully integrated with partners across TWDC to activate plans.

• Support a cross-company and cross-functional team of professionals to identify commercially viable opportunities to extend the “Disney bubble” by maximizing our flywheel and engaging Guests, Consumers, Fans.

• Lead the development of projects that resonate with diverse consumer segments, enhance brand awareness, and drive incremental value through the optimization and maximization of TWDC’s physical and virtual footprint

• Identify future consumer opportunities and shape product and experience development.

• Serve as a steward and advocate for innovative cross-channel commercial opportunities.

• Evaluate research and form insight-driven perspectives to inform communication strategies and diagnose business performance.

• Manage budgets and resources effectively to maximize ROI and achieve objectives – analyzing and synthesizing market trends, monitoring financial results / key metrics, and adjusting plans as necessary.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years progressive leadership experience, including 5+ years as an executive, preferably in brand management and strategy, advertising, promotions, event / project management, public relations, direct marketing areas.

• Demonstrated in-depth familiarity with business planning and asset strategy, as well as a passion for building cross-functional relationships.

• Proven leadership capabilities within a matrix organization, especially the ability navigate / balance senior-level stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to:

  • Build strategic alliances/relationships/partnerships within and outside the Disney organization.

  • Influence partners and senior leadership with a collaborative and solution-oriented approach.

  • Skillfully assess and value business opportunities.

  • Accurately interpret data from multiple sources, and leverage data to develop compelling recommendations

  • Use sophisticated negotiation skills; earn concessions while building a sense of partnership.

  • Express views with powerful and effective preparation, conviction and rationale.

  • Effectively integrate long-term opportunities and challenges with day-to-day activities.

  • Manage, prioritize and drive a large volume of complex initiatives and projects.

  • Communicate complex ideas, prioritize and craft concise recommendations

• Skillful and impactful verbal and written communicator with the ability to deliver presentations with poise, confidence and authentic style.

• Demonstrated business acumen working with P&L and annual operating plans.

• Demonstrated effectiveness for strategic and critical thinking; ability to challenge the status quo.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• MBA or related post-graduate degree preferred