Associate Project Manager

Job Description

Do you have a passion for seeing something through from start to finish?  Do you have experience supporting high-level executives?  Do you like to manage projects?  Do you thrive on organization?  Are you known for keeping your cool under pressure?  Can you interact with the most senior levels of management?  Do you enjoy working in an in-person, fast-paced environment alongside the executive you support?   If you’re nodding your head “yes”, then Associate Project Manager, Studio Legal Operations at The Walt Disney Studios might be right for you.

The Walt Disney Studios is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, proactive, and responsive Legal Operations Specialist to help manage the projects and responsibilities of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Production Legal, Administration & Operations (ACC PAO), who sits on the Senior Leadership Team of the Chief Counsel of Studio Legal Affairs. The right individual will be responsible for the project deliverables of the ACC PAO, as well as helping to track and organize unique projects critical to the success of Studio Legal Affairs. The Associate Project Manager must have strong communication skills, be able to work well with people on all levels, exercise sound decision-making, and demonstrate the ability to prioritize—simultaneously organizing many elements of multiple projects at any given time. The Associate Project Manager will also need to be able to plan and execute large events such as town halls, screenings, and off-sites, as well as smaller team-building activities for committees and communities within Studio Legal. Other key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, managing short-term and long-term project planning schedules and trackers, coordinating various initiatives of the ACC PAO (including, but not limited to, the Disney Lawyers in Film Training Program and Studio Legal Affairs-wide volunteer events), helping formulate and communicate best practices and operations of Studio Legal Affairs teams, and coordinating communications from the office of the ACC PAO to teams managed by this executive (Casting Administration, Contract Administration, and Credits, Titles & Ratings Administration, along with the Studio Legal Affairs Committees and smaller task forces led by the ACC PAO).

Responsibilities

It goes without saying that there will be project deadlines, countless meetings, small and large events coordination, and expense reports, but this job is very much about people.  The relationship you form with the ACC PAO is absolutely critical because that’s what enables you to become a true partner.  In addition to understanding your executive’s business – and business needs – inside and out, you’ll also need deep knowledge of the leadership and workings of Studio Legal and its intersection with Corporate Legal and related departments across the Disney enterprise. As the “face” of your executive within The Walt Disney Studios, your professionalism, loyalty, and attitude are a reflection of the office, and as such, are a key component to its success.  Every day as Associate Project Manager is different.  On any given day you might:

• Track progress on new and existing Studio Legal Affairs projects and initiatives.
• Prioritize, harmonize, and include the right participants on, business-critical projects and communications.
• Partner closely with legal leaders from Studio Legal, Corporate Legal and Television Legal.
• Structure in-person and virtual events and meetings with participants of all levels. 
• Create dynamic presentation materials for high-stakes presentations of your executive and their leaders.
• Ensure projects stay on track, including reacting to changing timeframes and priorities by keeping your executive informed and communicating to all stakeholders.
• Participate as needed in project meetings, maintain meeting logs, and contribute with ideas and suggestions.
• Coordinate respectfully and clearly with various departments to support your executive’s meetings and events, such as IT, Catering, Event Production teams, and the like.
• Handle extremely confidential, sensitive information, remembering that Disney is a publicly traded company, and your leaders handle very sensitive matters on a regular basis.
• Onboard new employees and Disney Lawyers in Film Training Associates.
• Plan and execute large events such as town halls, screenings, and off-sites, as well as smaller team-building activities for committees and communities within Studio Legal.
• Exemplify the professionalism necessary to be a member of Studio Legal.

Basic Qualifications

Here’s what you will need to be successful in this role:

• Required-Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of project management, though six-sigma certification is not a requirement.
• At least 5 years managing large-scale projects, tracking progress, and articulating deliverables.
• At least 5 years interacting with executives at Vice President level and above.
• Ability to work in-person with your executive during the work week, including accompanying your executive to off-site meetings.
• Sharp written and verbal communication skills, including flawless grammar and a rich vocabulary.
• Desire to immerse yourself fully and learn all aspects Studio Legal.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize deadlines/deliverables.
• Experience with terminology and functions necessary for a legal department.
• Strong proficiency with all types of computers, phones and office equipment, as well as mastery of Microsoft Office programs, SAP, Confluence, Concur, NetDocuments, Zoom, and working in a Windows environment.
• A calm head and steady hand to deal with the unexpected.
• “EQ” skills to build bridges, forge alliances and encourage people to want to work with you.
• Complete reliability handling confidential, often highly sensitive information.
• Desire to truly be helpful to your leaders and co-workers, to go the extra mile without being asked.
• Some flexibility in your schedule.
• Very strong organizational skills and extreme attention to detail.
• A highly professional demeanor, positive outlook, and a can-do attitude.

Preferred Qualifications

It would be great if you also had these skills:

• Experience working in a large public corporation, preferably in a legal department.
• Paralegal and similar professional certifications and advanced degrees are welcome, but not required.